Updated photo of the fire at the Hoito courtesy of Katie Nicholls
Demolition has started on the Finnish Labour Temple.
After a fire gutted the third floor and water damaged the remainder of the building at the end of December 2021, it’s time for it to finally come down.
Crews have been on the sight for a few days using big machines to take down the remaining structure, as well as what was a renewed inside.
Original plans were to add condo’s and update the Hoito Restaurant and rebuild what was a community staple.
After the Ontario Fire Marshal declared the building unsafe to enter, owner Brian McKinnon hired a private firm to investigate the cause.
The private investigation was done to try and determine the exact cause of the blaze. Their investigator was able to safely gain access inside to every room of the building, as well as up to the third floor where officials believe the fire started.
Acadia News spoke to owner Brad McKinnon previously, and while not being able to provide us with the full report, McKinnon did comment that the investigator believes they have found out what started the devastating blaze but did not further elaborate.
McKinnon stated that he still remains committed to keeping the historical façade of the building, including what they can rebuild for the tower and the cupola.
