WINNIPEG — A construction project at the old Merchants Hotel has hit a road block, after a fire broke out in the building Friday evening.
Officials said the fire had spread through all three storeys inside the building when they arrived on Selkirk Avenue around 9:30 p.m.
People living nearby said they believe the cause of the fire could be arson.
“It’s horrible, it puts my kids safety at stake. I don’t like it,” Phillip Niemann, who lives behind the building said.
The hotel is currently being transformed into a housing and educational complex affiliated with the University of Winnipeg.
Developers said crews were able to put out the flames fairly quickly, limiting any serious damage.
“The damage is quite minimal, and it appears the signs are pointing towards mischief,” Dawn Sands, with the North End Community Renewal Corporation said.
There is estimate on how much the damage will cost, but Sands said there will be no delays in construction.
Still, she said the fire is a good example of why more educational spaces need to open up in the North End.
“I think it’s just a really good reminder of why it is we do what we do. That it’s very important we have opportunities and ease of education for people that live in the neighbourhood.”
The opening of the new Merchants Corner complex is set for November this year.
Fire officials are continuing their investigation.
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