'Huge loss': Fire destroys band office in northern Ontario First Nation
Police are investigating after a fire destroyed a First Nation band office in northern Ontario.
Far North Police are investigating a fire that destroyed the North Spirit Lake First Nation band office on April 4, 2024. (Facebook/AJ Mendoza)
Nishnawbe Aski Police says its crime unit is now investigating Thursday's early morning fire at the North Spirit Lake band office and a nearby abandoned home.
Police say they got a call shortly before 3:40 a.m. about a fire in the remote community, which is located about 500 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay.
Officers found the community's band office in flames, and then also learned about the fire at the abandoned home.
Police say no injuries have been reported but both buildings are "a total loss."
Ontario NDP legislator Sol Mamakwa, who represents the region, issued a social media post calling the fire a "huge loss" for the community.
He says most programs in the community were administered through the band office building.
– This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 6, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 Investigates A 'ticking time bomb': Inside Syria's toughest prison holding accused high-ranking ISIS members
In the last of a three-part investigation, W5's Avery Haines was given rare access to a Syrian prison, where thousands of accused high-ranking ISIS members are being held.
As Australia bans social media for children, Quebec is paying close attention
As Australia moves to ban social media for children under 16, Quebec is debating whether to follow suit.
Irregular sleep patterns may raise risk of heart attack and stroke, study suggests
Sleeping and waking up at different times is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, even for people who get the recommended amount of sleep, according to new research.
California man who went missing for 25 years found after sister sees his picture in the news
It’s a Thanksgiving miracle for one California family after a man who went missing in 1999 was found 25 years later when his sister saw a photo of him in an online article, authorities said.
Trudeau Liberals' two-month GST holiday bill passes the House, off to the Senate
The federal government's five-page piece of legislation to enact Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's promised two-month tax break on a range of consumer goods over the holidays passed in the House of Commons late Thursday.
Notre Dame Cathedral: Sneak peek ahead of the reopening
After more than five years of frenetic reconstruction work, Notre Dame Cathedral showed its new self to the world Friday, with rebuilt soaring ceilings and creamy good-as-new stonework erasing somber memories of its devastating fire in 2019.
Canada Post temporarily laying off striking workers, union says
The union representing Canada Post workers says the Crown corporation has been laying off striking employees as the labour action by more than 55,000 workers approaches the two-week mark.
Can't resist Black Friday weekend deals? How to shop while staying within your budget
A budgeting expert says there are a number of ways shoppers can avoid getting enveloped by the sales frenzy and resist spending beyond their means.
Montreal shopping mall playing 'Baby Shark' song to prevent unhoused from loitering
A shopping mall and office complex in downtown Montreal is being criticized for using the popular children's song 'Baby Shark' to discourage unhoused people from loitering in its emergency exit stairwells.