University officials ordered the evacuation of Brock’s Schmon Tower around 2 p.m. today as a precautionary measure after it swayed briefly during an earth tremor.
Staff who work in the Tower and the University Library have been sent home for the rest of the day while officials conduct a floor-by-floor inspection of the 14-storey structure.
As a result, many administrative offices at the University will be closed for the day. All other facilities and services on campus remain open.
Staff is now being allowed back into the Tower to gather any personal belongings. People are being asked to use the stairs, and then exit the building after collecting items. The Tower is expected to be open for business as usual on Wednesday morning.
Please watch this space for any further updates.
The tremor felt in Niagara was the result of a 5.9 magnitude earthquake, which was centred northwest of Richmond, Va., at 1:51 p.m. Tuesday.
(Posted: 2:09 p.m.; Last updated: 3:20 p.m.)
Related stories:
• 5.9 earthquake shakes Ontario, eastern U.S. – CBC News
• Tremors hit Toronto after 5.9 magnitude earthquake rocks Virginia – thestar.ca
