City officials raised alarm over ceiling stability before St-Laurent station shutdown [Video]

Internal emails reveal several City of Ottawa officials were concerned about the stability of the ceiling structure at St-Laurent LRT station, even before discovering in May that some ceiling panels dusted with concrete chunks were being supported by “detached” and “heavily corroded” metal framing, directly above platforms where passengers waited for trains.

CBC News has also learned the ceiling structure wasn’t checked after a “one time inspection” in February 2023, and falling debris was likely putting the public at risk for months before the tiles were pulled down in May.

These details are contained in emails and photos obtained by CBC through a freedom of information request.

St-Laurent station was closed to train service between May 17-22 so those risks could be addressed.

City transit officials initially described the problem as “disrupted” ceiling tilesdue to leaks. Later, they found corroding steel rods holding them up. A memo to council stated workers found debris on top of some panels which appeared …