A well-known community centre that was destroyed by a suspicious fire in March is destined for the wrecking ball.
The City of Nanaimo says the remaining structures of the Departure Bay Activity Centre will be torn down and removed.
The decision comes after the city received notice from its insurance company that the building was a loss and could not be repaired.
The centre was destroyed in a March 17 fire that was later deemed suspicious by investigators.
Firefighters battle a suspicious blaze at the Departure Bay Activity Centre in Nanaimo March 17, 2022. (Nanaimo Fire Rescue)
The gymnasium portion of the building sustained significant fire damage, according to Nanaimo RCMP, while an adjacent parking bay, which held a Salvation Army Emergency Food truck, suffered smoke damage.
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog lamented the loss of the building, but said once it’s gone city staff will map out a consultation process to determine the future of programs the building once hosted, and the site itself.
“We cannot get the old building back, but we can plan for the best way to replace what we care about most,” Krog said in a statement.
Nanaimo RCMP confirmed Tuesday the investigation into the fire is still active and no arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 250-754-2345, and quote file 2022-8997.
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