Vehicles could be trapped for weeks after Ottawa parking garage collapse
Tim Sheffield, a country musician from Kingston, Ont., has a black Stetson hat that he cherishes. Unfortunately, his favorite cowboy hat is currently sitting in the back of his grey Chevy Volt, which is trapped inside the collapsed downtown Ottawa parking garage. Alongside the hat, there is also a handmade cow-themed jacket that Sheffield wears on stage during his performances.
The collapse of the parking garage has left Sheffield and other vehicle owners in a state of uncertainty. They have been informed that it could take up to two weeks before they can retrieve their vehicles from the damaged structure. Sheffield expressed his frustration at the lack of information and updates regarding the situation, stating that they are constantly monitoring the news for any developments.
A representative of Indigo Park Canada Inc., on behalf of property owner GWL Realty Advisors, sent out an email cautioning people with vehicles inside the garage not to expect a quick resolution. The property owner is working closely with the city, emergency crews, and a team of experts to address the situation and ensure the safe removal of vehicles. It is anticipated that access to the vehicles may not be possible for at least one to two weeks.
The collapse of a section of the six-level parking garage, spanning Slater Street to Laurier Avenue W., is believed to have been caused by a heavy pile of snow on the upper level that buckled support girders. This led to the pancake collapse, which destroyed the garage’s ramp and complicated the removal of over 50 vehicles trapped inside.
Vehicle owners like Rick Brown from Blue Mountain, Ont., are facing challenges as their undamaged vehicles remain inaccessible. Brown’s insurance company has refused to cover any expenses as his car was not damaged, making it impossible for him to open a claim for a rental car. The lack of clear communication from authorities and the garage owner has added to the frustration of owners like Brown, who are left wondering about the plan for retrieving their vehicles.
Similarly, François Ste-Marie, whose red truck is visible in photos of the collapsed garage, is uncertain about how his vehicle will be extracted and whether insurance will cover a replacement rental. The upcoming weeks are anticipated to be a headache for him and his family, especially with an upcoming vacation in March hanging in the balance.
Despite the challenges ahead, vehicle owners like Sheffield are preparing for the financial implications of the situation. While he has been assured that his insurance will eventually cover the expenses, he is bracing for a period of financial strain until he is reimbursed for out-of-pocket costs.
Overall, the collapse of the Ottawa parking garage has left vehicle owners in a state of uncertainty and frustration, with many facing financial and logistical challenges in the aftermath of the incident. The road to recovery and vehicle retrieval remains uncertain, leaving owners like Sheffield, Brown, and Ste-Marie in a state of limbo as they await updates on the situation.
