Trapped vehicles could be stuck in collapsed Ottawa parkade for weeks

A week after an Ottawa parking garage partially collapsed, vehicle owners say they’re still no closer to getting their cars back. CTV’s Katie Griffin reports.

Drivers with vehicles stuck in a partially collapsed parking garage will likely still have to wait weeks before they can access them.

“We’re just in a waiting pattern and it’s a little more difficult for us being in Kingston,” said Tim Sheffield, whose Chevrolet Volt is among 50 vehicles still trapped inside the structure.

The musician’s favourite Stetson hat and jacket he wears on stage are inside his car that became trapped after part of the parking garage spanning from Slater Street to Laurier Avenue collapsed on Feb. 26.

The cause is under investigation, but officials said a huge pile of snow on the top level likely played a major role.

“Life has to go on so we are just we’re using a rental vehicle right now and we’re paying for it out of our pocket because our insurance can’t give us any sort of support because there’s no claim on the car,” Sheffield said.

The collapse eliminated hundreds of parking spots and many who drive into the downtown core have struggled to find alternatives.

“I had to look for parking for about an hour. It’s kind of getting ridiculous,” said driver Riley Panagapko.

Lots near the site have been filling up quickly.

“A lot busier yeah,” said Juan Gomez, an attendant with Capital Parking. “25 to 50 more cars.”

One possible solution to getting the cars out is a temporary ramp made of shipping containers.

Property owner GWL Realty Advisors said in a statement that it was communicating directly with those parked in the Indigo lot who are impacted and working on solutions to free the vehicles.

“In light of damage to the ramp and entrance of the parking structure, we are evaluating several options and continue to anticipate this work will take one to two weeks,” the company said.

“The safety of the site remains our top priority as we work to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.”