"If we continue to lose local businesses, which are the backbone of the Canadian economy, we're going to see more homeless people," Moncton's deputy mayor says.

The city is asking residents in the affected area to boil all water destined for drinking, preparing infant formulas and juices, washing fruits and vegetables, cooking, brushing teeth and dental hygiene for one minute.

The fire was brought under control a while later, but the building is now a total loss.