A tile cracked after we removed a load-bearing wall — could shifting have caused that?

Yes, absolutely — removing a load-bearing wall can cause structural movement that cracks tile, and this is one of the more serious causes of tile failure because the underlying issue needs to be addressed before any repair makes sense.

What likely happened is that when the load-bearing wall was removed, the load redistribution caused the floor structure to deflect (flex or sag slightly) under the new span. Tile and grout are rigid materials with almost no tolerance for movement — even a fraction of an inch of subfloor flex can crack tiles or pop grout joints. If a proper beam (LVL or steel) wasn't sized correctly for the new span, or if the posts and footings supporting that beam aren't adequate, the floor will continue to move and any replacement tile will crack again.

The critical question is whether the movement has stopped. If the structural work was done correctly with a properly engineered beam, the deflection may have been a one-time settling event and the floor is now stable. If the beam is undersized or the supports are inadequate, the floor is still moving — and you may notice other signs like sticking doors, new drywall cracks, or grout joints continuing to open up. This is worth taking seriously, because ongoing structural movement is a safety and building integrity issue, not just a cosmetic one.

In Ottawa, any load-bearing wall removal typically requires a building permit and engineer-stamped drawings through Ottawa Building Services. If that work was done without a permit, or without a structural engineer specifying the beam size, that's the first thing to sort out — both for safety and for resale purposes. City of Ottawa requirements may vary depending on your specific situation, so confirm the permit status with your contractor or Ottawa Building Services directly.

Before repairing or replacing the cracked tile, have a structural assessment done to confirm the floor is stable and deflection is within acceptable limits. The standard for tile installations is that subfloor deflection should not exceed L/360 (the span in inches divided by 360). Once you have confirmation the structure is sound, the cracked tile can be removed and replaced — but the grout joints in that area should also be inspected, and an isolation membrane like Schluter DITRA may be worth installing under new tile to provide some crack-isolation protection going forward.

If you'd like a flooring assessment once your structural situation is confirmed, Ottawa Floor Install offers free consultations and can evaluate whether your subfloor is ready for tile repair or replacement.