An iconic piece of a small Alberta community’s history has been destroyed by fire.
The fire broke out in the Commercial Hotel in the village of Alliance around 2:30 Sunday morning. 25 volunteer firefighters from Alliance and neighbouring communities battled the blaze through the night.
“It probably took me about a good hour (to realize) that we’ve lost it. It was just time to let it go,” explained Fire Chief Carl Cameron.
As word of the fire spread through the village, residents began arriving at the scene Sunday morning.
“My hubby and I jumped out of bed and came down here, and we’re just in shock,” explained Leslie Ganshirt, who has lived in Alliance for 19 years.
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Built in 1916, the Commercial Hotel provides an economic boost for the small village.
“Here we are, a small community trying to survive and now we’ve lost another business,” explained Alliance Mayor Muriel Fankhanel.
Not only is the hotel an economic benefit for the community, the building holds a lot of history and memories for community members.
“It housed the first telephone exchange. It had the first school room. It had offices for people that came like dentists, and lawyers and people who do business in town. There’s a lot of history,” said Fankhanel.
“It’s the hub. Where do people go and meet now? It’s a big shock. It’s a big, big loss for us,” Ganshirt said emotionally.
A small, tight-knit community of less than 200 people, Ganshirt say it’s hard to see the hotel go.
“It’s just a business to a lot of people but, it’s a hub for us, it’s our community centre, it’s our gathering point. It’s just so many other things,” she said, still in shock, “It’s one of those things that just brings good memories to everybody and it’s so hard to even look at it (now).”
There is no word yet, as to what may have started the fire.
With files from Jenna Bridges.
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