North Bay restaurant rallying community support for fire victims
North Bay’s downtown community is still reeling after Tuesday’s fire that destroyed a building on Main Street East.
What's left of the six apartment units and two vibrant businesses is now a pile of rubble.
North Bay firefighters observe a building on Main Street East being torn down after fire
To help those who lost their livelihood and belongings, a restaurant located across the street from where the fire happened is going to step in and help.
When thick flames erupted from the building Tuesday, Cecil’s Brewhouse and Kitchen owner John Lechlitner said he was horrified.
Some of his former employees lived in the second-floor apartment complex.
"That makes it strike even a little bit closer to home. You know, when you do know people that live in a building and they've lost everything," Lechlitner said.
"Fire, in my mind, is probably one of the worst because you literally lose everything."
Wanting to help the displaced families, he’s scrounging up support from the local business community for a pasta dinner at the restaurant next Thursday.
"If there’s opportunities for us to help out, we will," Donna Backer of the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce told CTV News in an interview.
"We’re always there to help anybody in the business community.”
All of the proceeds will go directly to the residents affected by the fire to help them get back on their feet.
"Despite a building gone, it's still a vibrant place to come to," Lechlitner said.
Flames quickly spread into the roof and despite firefighter’s best efforts, the building couldn’t be saved and had to be demolished.
Because the fire damage to the building was so significant, officials said they won’t be able to determine what caused it to go up in smoke.
The two businesses that were lost are a Lebanese restaurant and a tattoo parlour, with water and smoke damaging the neighbouring nurse practitioner clinic.
The chamber of commerce is urging the community to shop downtown following this disaster.
"It’s unfortunate that people feel like they have to come and support it in times of need. It should be supported all the time. It’s open all the time," Backer said.
The Canadian Red Cross is helping the displaced families with emergency lodging, food, clothing and personal items.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.