Experts investigate collapse of balconies
City of Ottawa inspectors and engineering firms are investigating the collapse early Tuesday of three balconies at the rear of a building on Patterson Avenue in the Glebe.
According to police, calls came in around 7:15 a.m. reporting that the balconies had fallen from the back of the 10-yearold, four-storey building at 235 Patterson Ave.
Chris Heilig, whose home backs onto the property, said he was awakened by the sound of the balconies crashing onto the ramp adjacent to his building that leads to the affected building’s underground garage.
“Three balconies collapsed and woke us up. It was very loud,” he said. “I’d be curious to know further how it came about. I think it should be investigated. It actually landed on part of our building.”
Ottawa firefighters were called to the scene as a precaution, but found no one with injuries and no one trapped. They disconnected a leaking propane barbecue tank in the debris.
“Building Code Services was notified earlier this morning of a balcony collapse,” said the city’s chief building inspector, Frank Bidin.
“Building inspection staff have attended the site and directed the property owner to take immediate measures to prevent access to the balconies for the affected units.
“The owner will remove the debris as soon as possible, and access to this area has been restricted for safety. There were no injuries and an investigation is ongoing. Inspection staff last attended the site when the building was constructed in 2009.”
The building in question, which fronts onto Bank Street, was built by Domicile Ltd.
Officials from Domicile redirected comment to the building ’s property manager, Condominium Management Group. Officials there said three different engineering firms were examining the building to determine how the collapse happened.