Fire Breaks Out at Former Sutherland Hotel in Winnipeg
A fire broke out at the former Sutherland Hotel on January 15, 2025, causing significant disruption in Winnipeg’s downtown area. The blaze, which started around 1:25 PM, occurred at the abandoned building located at 785 Main Street. By 2:30 PM, over a dozen emergency units had arrived on the scene, including fire engines, police cruisers, and an ambulance. The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded quickly to the emergency, battling the fire that had erupted in the upper floors of the building. As thick plumes of smoke billowed from the structure, firefighters used aerial lifts to spray water on the roof and top floors of the three-story building.
The fire's location, at the corner of Main Street and Sutherland Avenue, prompted city police to close off both northbound and southbound lanes of Main Street between Higgins and Sutherland Avenues. The traffic closure affected commuters throughout the afternoon, as diversions were put in place to maintain safety and prevent further accidents. Authorities have yet to release detailed information about the cause of the fire, though no injuries have been reported at this time.
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This building, known for its notorious history, had been boarded up for several years. Once a hotspot for criminal activity, it had a reputation as a gang hangout and crack den in the past decade. However, community leaders indicated that criminal activity had largely reduced in recent years. As of last month, the property was up for sale for $575,000, a price reflecting its current condition and the extensive renovation work it requires. Despite its troubled past, the building had the potential for reinvention, but it now faces further uncertainty due to the damage from the fire.
Fortunately, there were no residents or guests at the former hotel at the time of the fire, and the building had been vacant for some time. The historic hotel had seen better days and was a subject of ongoing efforts to repurpose or demolish it. While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, the event serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many older, abandoned properties in the city.
The fire's aftermath leaves questions about the future of the Sutherland Hotel and what steps will be taken to restore or redevelop this piece of Winnipeg’s history. For now, the focus remains on containment, investigation, and the safety of those affected by the fire.
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