Fire guts historic Welland House Hotel in St Catharines
Published July 12, 2021 at 4:54 pm
St Catharines firefighters were working since 5:20 am today (July 12), trying to contain the massive blaze that gutted the historic Welland House Hotel.
While inspectors are now on the scene, trying to ascertain the cause of the fire to the five-storey building at 30 Ontario Street, it took response from all six fire stations, eight EMS vehicles and aerial trucks from the Thorold and Pelham units, just to contain the raging fire.
To keep the public in the area safe, the city shut down Ontario Street from Church Street to St. Paul Street, William Street and King Street from Ontario Street to Queen Street.
“Crews are actively monitoring nearby areas and buildings to ensure the fire is contained. Work continues to assess any risk of structural collapse and prevent any risks to public safety,” the city said in a release this morning.
St Catharines MPP Jennie Steven reflected on the loss on Twitter this morning. “It is so sad to see a building with so much history lost— a tragic end for the Welland House that held so many memories for St. Catharines. Thinking of the First Responders this morning, grateful for their efforts to control this fire.”
(Historic photo courtesy of the St Catharines Museum)
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