The owner of the Ottawa parking garage that experienced a partial collapse over a year ago has announced plans to reconstruct and resume operations. The cause of the collapse remains undisclosed, and the company is not sharing information about previous property inspections. Fortunately, there were no casualties or injuries during the incident termed as a “pancake collapse” by the City of Ottawa.
City councillor Ariel Troster expressed relief that no one was harmed and commended the evacuation efforts prompted by structural concerns reported the day before the collapse. The garage, located at 170 Slater St., is set for a comprehensive engineering assessment before reopening to ensure its safety.
Although the exact timeline for the garage’s reopening is uncertain, Great West Life Realty Advisors (GWLRA) is preparing for reconstruction in the near future. The company stated that all its properties undergo annual inspections by qualified engineers for safety and maintenance purposes.
GWLRA declined to comment further on the collapse’s investigation, including details on past inspections or snow load monitoring responsibilities. The company mentioned ongoing insurer investigations and stressed the importance of determining the collapse’s cause.
François Ste-Marie, one of the affected garage users, described his experience of having his truck trapped in the wreckage and expressed reluctance to use the facility again. The City of Ottawa conducted a safety assessment post-collapse, identifying the snow load as a potential factor.
The city highlighted the importance of regular snow removal for safety and reviewed its practices following the incident. The unusually heavy snowfall in February 2025 raised concerns about building resilience and maintenance standards. The lack of mandatory post-occupancy inspections in Ontario has raised safety concerns, prompting calls for regulatory changes.
Despite the lingering questions surrounding the collapse, GWLRA is working with city officials and prioritizing safety measures for the site’s reconstruction. The company emphasized its commitment to adhering to the highest safety standards and building codes throughout the rebuilding process.