A Manotick business faces an uncertain closure after a minivan plowed into its storefront during the height of Thursday's intense snowstorm, causing significant structural damage to a historic building.
Chaos During the Storm
The incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. on January 16, 2026, on Manotick Main Street. According to Ottawa Fire Services, a collision between two vehicles sent the minivan careening off the road. The vehicle then smashed directly into the front of a century-old building that houses the Green Spirit Rising shop on the ground floor, with residential apartments located above.
Fortunately, the business was closed at the time due to the severe weather conditions, preventing potential injuries to customers or staff inside. No injuries were reported from the crash itself.
Emergency Response and Structural Shoring
Firefighters arriving on the scene found the building's façade severely compromised. "The minivan caused significant damage to the building’s façade, pushing part of the front wall inward and compromising the structure," officials stated in a social media post.
Given the danger of a potential collapse, the Ottawa Fire Services' specialized structural collapse team was immediately dispatched to the scene. Their first priority was to ensure the safety of the residential tenants on the second floor and stabilize the building.
Crews worked swiftly to clear the interior of the Green Spirit Rising shop. This allowed them to install an emergency post-and-beam shoring system inside. This critical procedure safely transferred the weight load from the damaged upper floor down to the ground, preventing further structural failure.
Aftermath and Business Closure
Once the shoring was complete and the structure was deemed stable, emergency crews safely removed the minivan from the wreckage. The efficient work of the fire teams meant that the tenants upstairs did not have to be displaced from their homes.
Firefighters cleared the scene by approximately 4:25 p.m. the same day. The owner of Green Spirit Rising took to social media to inform the community, posting, "Just in case you missed the news. For now, we are closed while we navigate this difficult situation. Thanks for your patience and support."
The business remains closed for the foreseeable future as assessments and repairs to the historic building get underway. The event serves as a stark reminder of the hazardous driving conditions created by Ottawa's winter storms and the rapid, professional response of local emergency services to protect public safety.
