Worker dies after falling from construction site in Barrhaven

Investigations are underway into the death of a trade contractor at a construction site in Barrhaven this week. CTV's Katelyn Wilson reports.

Ottawa paramedics say a worker died Monday after a fall at a construction site in Barrhaven.

Paramedics were called to the area of Chapman Mills Drive and Longfields Drive at around 1:10 p.m.

The worker, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Barrhaven workplace death A worker died Feb. 3, 2025, at this construction site in Ottawa. The Ontario Ministry of Labour is investigating. Feb. 4, 2025. (Katelyn Wilson/CTV News Ottawa)

Minto Canada said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa that the individual who died was a trade contractor.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the individual has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. We remain committed to the safety and wellbeing of everyone on our sites as our top priority and are fully cooperating with the Ministry of Labour in their investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident. We are also providing counselling and support to our staff. We thank them for their immediate response and efforts to provide aid,” said chief operating officer Brent Strachan.

Sean McKenny, president of the Ottawa and District Labour Council, is calling for a criminal investigation into the worker’s death.

“These worker fatalities continue to happen and needlessly there are no reasons for it. We had an individual that left home that morning, and was not able to return to his family at the end of the day,” McKenny told CTV News Ottawa.

“Criminal investigations are supposed to occur when there’s a worker fatality. We’re really hopeful that, that will be the case this time. Not only the Ministry of Labor will investigate but also that there will be a criminal investigation.”

The Ontario Ministry of Labour said it is investigating but provided no other details.

“On February 3, 2025, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development was notified of a possible workplace fatality that occurred in Nepean. It was reported that a worker was fatally injured when they fell from heights,” a statement said. “The ministry expresses its condolences to the family and colleagues of the worker. A ministry inspector has been assigned to investigate. As the investigation is ongoing, we are unable to provide further information at this time.”

Ottawa police only said they are working alongside the ministry on a joint investigation.

--With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Katelyn Wilson