The damage left behind by a powerful summer storm in Waterloo Region continues to emerge, including the collapse of a concrete retaining wall in Cambridge.
The wall along Concession Street near McKenzie Street in the Galt area gave way during Saturday’s severe weather, sending a large section of concrete onto the sidewalk below. No injuries were reported.
The Region of Waterloo, which is responsible for the structure, secured the area shortly after the collapse. The storm brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region, along with a tornado warning.
A local landscaping professional suggested the wall may have been an older poured-concrete structure and said inadequate drainage can contribute to retaining-wall failures by allowing water pressure to build up behind the structure.
The Region says it is conducting a detailed assessment to determine why the wall failed and plans to make immediate repairs. Officials are also being urged to examine the condition of other nearby retaining walls to identify potential problems before they become safety hazards.