Fire damage to the rear of the Rutland Seniors Activity Centre, July 26, 2018.
(JOHN MCDONALD / iNFOnews.ca)
August 08, 2018 - 5:30 PM
KELOWNA - As feared, a fire at the Rutland Seniors Centre has disrupted a vital community hub.
At first glance, the arson fire late last month didn’t seem serious to the untrained eye but Rutland Seniors Centre Society president Sue Lord said it was worse than it first appeared.
“The place still reeks of smoke and everything has to be removed and cleaned,” Lord said. “Unfortunately, the centre had to be closed and will remain closed until further notice.”
Lord’s fear at the time was not the building or its contents but the effect such a disruption could have on the lives of some of their members.
“The Rutland Libary has come to our aid and offered the use of their facility and the Parkinson Rec Centre lets our members join their groups,” Lord added.
Kelowna Fire Department firefighters responded to reports of an explosion in the early hours of July 26.
They quickly knocked down the fire at the rear of the building but not before it damaged an extensive portion of the roof.
Three teens were later arrested after video surveillance footage was used to identify them. No one has yet been charged.
The City of Kelowna owns the building on Dodd Road and will be responsible for repairs while insurance will cover most of the equipment losses.
No date has been determined for the building to reopen.
“Not much else is happening,” Lord said. “It will just take time."
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