Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
It was four years ago when a fire ripped through Russell’s Main Street, levelling an entire building.
The Russell Fitness Centre was destroyed, along with a few apartment units. Neighbouring businesses were also damaged.
Mayor Chris Radford said it was a big loss for the community.
“At the time, of course, there was not only a hole in Main Street and a business that was gone, but obviously it took a while to … get another spot for the fitness centre and buy all new equipment,” Radford said.
“There were a couple residences upstairs … They did find other places to live, but still it’s one more thing that’s not there now.”
Unfortunately, the site where the fire occurred is still vacant land.
“It is an empty spot at this point,” Radford said. “Haven’t had anybody move in, or take that on and build something there … we’re always looking for that. But it is definitely one less building on Main Street.”
Total loss and damages was estimatedat $500,000. It was accidental, believed to have been an electrical fire. Radford knows all too well how a devastating fire can affect a community.
“There’s employees to consider, it’s far-reaching especially in a small community like Virden or ourselves … It affects a lot of livelihoods,” he said. “We certainly think there’s a great business climate out here in rural Manitoba, but it does take a bit of a step to get people to stick that money out there and build a new building.”
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition September 11, 2012
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It was four years ago when a fire ripped through Russell’s Main Street, levelling an entire building.
The Russell Fitness Centre was destroyed, along with a few apartment units. Neighbouring businesses were also damaged.
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It was four years ago when a fire ripped through Russell’s Main Street, levelling an entire building.
The Russell Fitness Centre was destroyed, along with a few apartment units. Neighbouring businesses were also damaged.
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