Fire destroys former school in Elliot Lake
The Elliot Lake Fire Department spent much of Wednesday dealing with a fire at a vacant school building that broke out last night on Roman Avenue.
Fire crews got the call just before 10:30 p.m. and officials said Wednesday they are still working to get rid of hot spots and ensuring no one was inside.
The Elliot Lake Fire Department spent much of Wednesday dealing with a fire at a vacant school building that broke out last night on Roman Avenue. (Photo from video)
City officials said the former school, which has been vacant for many years, suffered extensive damage in the fire.
“We were dispatched at 10:21 last night," said fire chief John Thomas.
"Upon arrival, we had heavy smoke and fire conditions at the rear of the building. Due to the extreme fire conditions last night, we decided to pull the crews out and go into a defensive attack.”
Thomas said there's no evidence anyone was injured at this point, but it's still unclear whether anyone was inside at the time of the fire.
The back doors of the building were open when crews arrived.
The Elliot Lake Fire Department spent much of Wednesday dealing with a fire at a vacant school building that broke out last night on Roman Avenue. (Photo from video)
"Upon arrival, crews did notice that the building was not secure," Thomas said.
"So due to the conditions last night, crews weren't able to complete a primary search for a building … So we're going to continue a search there once we have the equipment in to make the area safe”
At this time, the Ontario Fire Marshalls office is not involved.
"The Elliot Lake Fire Department will be conducting an investigation to see what caused the fire," Thomas said.
"If we do deem it to be arson, the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office will be notified and they'll possibly come in to do an investigation for themselves."
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
A developer from Waterloo recently received a zoning approval from the city to proceed with site plan control for apartments and townehouses on the property.
A damage estimated has yet to be established.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'I recognize these footsteps': How Trump and 'coyote' smuggling changed life at the border
Bent signs bolted to the rail threaten fines and imprisonment should violators cross the boundary into the United States, a warning many people are choosing to ignore simply by walking around the barrier.
Video shows moments before a plane crashes into a busy Texas intersection
Four people sustained non-life-threatening injuries after a small plane crashed into a busy intersection in Victoria, Texas, Wednesday.
She took a DNA test for fun. Police used it to charge her grandmother with murder in a cold case
According to court documents, detectives reopened the cold case in 2017 and then worked with a forensics company to extract DNA from Baby Garnet's partial femur, before sending the results to Identifinders International.
From wreckhouse winds to blizzards, mix of weather in forecasts for parts of Canada
Canadians will experience contrasting weather on Thursday, from warmer temperatures in the Maritimes to extreme cold in parts of Ontario, the Prairies and the North.
Banks tell 2 Ontarians too much time has passed to cash decades-old cheque, GIC
Two Ontarians who recently found unclaimed money from decades-old investments were told by their banks there were no records of them in their systems.
Canada says it wants to slash its emisssions by half by 2035. Will that be enough?
Canada is aiming to cut its emissions in half by 2035 compared to 2005 levels, a newly released target range that is lower than what a federal advisory body recommended.
Dog found after vehicle stolen in Toronto
A dog that was inside a vehicle when it was stolen in Toronto on Wednesday has been found, police say.
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
A large number of mysterious drones have been reported flying over parts of New Jersey in recent weeks, sparking speculation and concern over who sent them and why.
Danielle Smith announces new team to patrol Alberta-U.S. border
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government will create a team of specially-trained Alberta Sheriffs tasked with patrolling the Alberta-U.S. border.
Barrie
-
Significant weather event declared in Owen Sound amid blizzard warning
The City of Owen Sound has declared a significant weather event with the region under a blizzard warning on Thursday as lake-effect snow squalls hammer the area.
-
Teen arrested in connection to threat made toward high school: OPP
Provincial police arrested a 17-year-old from Bolton accused of making a threat toward a local high school.
-
Blizzard and snow squall warnings issued with hazardous travel expected
Prepare for some wicked weather expected to hit the region on Wednesday, with heavy snowfall up to 80 centimetres possible and gusty winds creating dicey travel conditions.
Toronto
-
'Enough is enough': Doug Ford says Ontario could hand encampment drug users $10,000 fines, prison
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his government is introducing a suite of measures to help municipalities “address and dismantle” homeless encampments around the province, including steep fines for people who use drugs.
-
Three teens charged in connection with Richmond Hill cinema shootings
Three youths have been arrested and charged in connection with a series of shootings that occurred at a cinema in Richmond Hill, some of which while moviegoers were inside.
-
Dog found after vehicle stolen in Toronto
A dog that was inside a vehicle when it was stolen in Toronto on Wednesday has been found, police say.
Ottawa
-
Here's what will cost more in the 2025 City of Ottawa budget
Ottawa residents will be paying more to board the O-Train and buses, have the garbage picked up, turn on the taps, park on city streets and use recreation facilities in 2025. CTV News Ottawa looks at things that will cost more in Ottawa next year.
-
NEW
NEW Crews begin removing cargo from ship stuck in St. Lawrence River in eastern Ontario
Crews have started work on a new attempt to refloat a cargo ship that ran aground in the St. Lawrence River nearly three weeks ago.
-
'Enough is enough': Doug Ford says Ontario could hand encampment drug users $10,000 fines, prison
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his government is introducing a suite of measures to help municipalities “address and dismantle” homeless encampments around the province, including steep fines for people who use drugs.
Kitchener
-
Storm Watch: Tracking today's closures and cancellations
Storm Watch is your destination for information about school closures, bus cancellations and road closures in Waterloo region, Guelph, Brantford and the surrounding area.
-
Settlement reached in complaint over Canada Post layoffs as strike hits four weeks
The union representing Canada Post workers says an unfair labour practice complaint over the company's layoffs has been resolved.
-
Homicide suspect wanted on nation-wide warrant arrested in Cambridge
A man has been arrested in Cambridge as part of a nation-wide homicide investigation.
London
-
Road closures with deteriorating conditions
Police across the region are warning drivers of deteriorating road conditions and poor visibility as snow squalls move through the region.
-
Blizzards and snowsqualls to roll through the region today
Blizzard and snow squall warnings have rolled across much of southern Ontario – with up to 15 centimeters expected today, and blowing snow reducing visibility on roadways.
-
Dundas Street now open after morning structure fire
Crews were called to the scene around 8:45 a.m. Thursday. There is no word on how the fire started or anybody was in the building at the time.
Windsor
-
Shots fired in South Windsor, one injured
An investigation is underway after the Windsor Police Service said multiple shots were fired at a group of people in South Windsor.
-
Woman charged after throwing pot of coffee in Chatham business: CKPS
Chatham-Kent police charged a woman who allegedly threw a pot of coffee when asked to leave a business in Chatham.
-
Montreal
-
Montreal restaurant forced to close after driver crashes into building
With the holidays fast approaching, one Montreal restaurant was forced to close its doors after a driver crashed into it on the weekend.
-
Man shot and injured near Longueuil daycare
A man was shot and injured across the street from a daycare in Longueil, and the suspect is at large.
-
Foie-gras, smoked meat and poutine! Montreal restos make world's most legendary list
Au Pied de Cochon, Schwartz's smoked meat and La Banquise made the TasteAtlas's 100 Most Legendary Restaurants list.
Winnipeg
-
Extreme cold to 'linger' in southern Manitoba: ECCC
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is warning Manitobans that the extreme cold will likely “linger” until Thursday night into Friday morning.
-
'We're not used to it this year': Extreme cold impacting Winnipeggers
The extreme cold has settled over much of Manitoba and the bone chilling temperatures are impacting people across the province, including in Winnipeg.
-
Taxi driver injured while being carjacked by teen: Winnipeg police
A Winnipeg taxi driver sustained minor injuries after his vehicle was carjacked and he was dragged to the ground on Tuesday.
Atlantic
-
More than 30,000 customers without power in the Maritimes due to wet, windy storm
Tens of thousands of customers in the Maritimes woke up to no power Thursday morning and several schools are closed as a wet and windy storm makes its way through the region.
-
Deal between Ottawa and N.S. First Nation over contested fishery nearly done: lawyer
The lawyer for a Mi'kmaq band that has battled Ottawa over its lobster harvest rights says a deal settling the "centuries-old" fishing dispute is nearly complete.
-
Settlement reached in complaint over Canada Post layoffs as strike hits four weeks
The union representing Canada Post workers says an unfair labour practice complaint over the company's layoffs has been resolved.
N.L.
-
Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador expected to sign Churchill Falls energy deal
Quebec Premier François Legault and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey are scheduled to announce an energy agreement Thursday that could end decades of friction between the two provinces.
-
Newfoundland towns light up harbours to honour fishers and pray for their safety
On a twinkling wharf in a small Newfoundland town, a crowd of about 100 people stopped singing and chatting on Friday night to bow their heads in a moment of silence for local fish harvesters.
-
North anxious over dwindling necessities, no Christmas gifts, due to postal strike
Communities in Northern Canada say the postal strike is starting to choke off the supply and children in remote regions may not receive Christmas gifts this year.
Calgary
-
Danielle Smith announces new team to patrol Alberta-U.S. border
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government will create a team of specially-trained Alberta Sheriffs tasked with patrolling the Alberta-U.S. border.
-
Calgary teens accused of using gun in brazen vape store robbery
Calgary police have charged two teens in the armed robbery of a store in the Manchester Industrial area.
-
Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley quitting legislature seat as of Dec. 30
Former Alberta premier and NDP Leader Rachel Notley is leaving the legislature.
Edmonton
-
Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley quitting legislature seat as of Dec. 30
Former Alberta premier and NDP Leader Rachel Notley is leaving the legislature.
-
Danielle Smith announces new team to patrol Alberta-U.S. border
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government will create a team of specially-trained Alberta Sheriffs tasked with patrolling the Alberta-U.S. border.
-
Wild weather: Monsoon rains, heavy snow and devastating fire
Here’s a look at some of the weather stories making headlines this past week.
Regina
-
Three charged after Regina police officer assaulted during break and enter investigation
Three people are facing a lengthy list of charges after a break and enter investigation led to a Regina police officer being assaulted and injured Tuesday night.
-
Regina General Hospital parkade set to open, will provide 686 more parking spots
The grand opening of a new parkade at Regina's General Hospital was celebrated on Thursday. Staff and visitors to the medical centre will be able to use the new facility on Monday.
-
Sask. extreme cold warnings enter second day with warm up forecasted
Much of central and southern Saskatchewan, including Regina and Saskatoon, remain under an extreme cold warning Thursday morning.
Saskatoon
-
Nearly 1,500 people in Saskatoon are homeless, according to the latest count
Nearly 1,500 people in Saskatoon are homeless, according to the latest point-in-time (PiT) Count conducted by the city and outside partners.
-
Historic University of Saskatchewan building slated for demolition
There is a building on the University of Saskatchewan campus that has been an eyesore for a few years, and now the historic building is slated for demolition. However, historians want campus officials to rethink the plan to get rid of it.
-
Cold weather in Saskatchewan spurs furnace breakdowns, carbon monoxide concerns
The return of bitterly cold temperatures has first responders and HVAC technicians on stand-by, ready to respond to emergencies.
Vancouver
-
Police investigating assault in downtown Victoria
Police are investigating an early-morning assault in the parking lot of a McDonald's restaurant in downtown Victoria.
-
'Do not approach him': Mounties searching for wanted man in B.C.
Mounties on Vancouver Island are asking the public to help find a 36-year-old man who is wanted by police.
-
Russian living in B.C. claims Scotiabank wrongfully withholding funds over sanctions
A Russian woman who has been living and working in Canada for the last eight years says her money is locked in limbo due to sanctions against Russia's largest bank, so she's taking Scotiabank and the Canadian government to court.
Vancouver Island
-
Police investigating assault in downtown Victoria
Police are investigating an early-morning assault in the parking lot of a McDonald's restaurant in downtown Victoria.
-
'Do not approach him': Mounties searching for wanted man in B.C.
Mounties on Vancouver Island are asking the public to help find a 36-year-old man who is wanted by police.
-
Russian living in B.C. claims Scotiabank wrongfully withholding funds over sanctions
A Russian woman who has been living and working in Canada for the last eight years says her money is locked in limbo due to sanctions against Russia's largest bank, so she's taking Scotiabank and the Canadian government to court.
