There is no definite time set for Elliot Lake’s LCBO store to re-open, according to a response from the company.
The June 21 early morning fire in Elliot Lake’s lower plaza left six people homeless and forced the demolition of a building housing two business spaces and apartments. The demolished part of the building was bordered by the LCBO retail outlet and a business facing the parking lot adjacent to Highway 108.
The fire took several hours to fully extinguish the fire and firefighters were on the scene from its start around 3 a.m. until about 7 p.m. to ensure there were no remaining hot spots.
The LCBO press office sent out the following information to ElliotLakeToday. Coincidentally, the store had been undergoing renovations when the fire broke out.
“On June 21, there was a fire in the building next to the LCBO store in Elliot Lake. The heavy smoke and water caused extensive damage to the LCBO. At this time we remain closed to the public while we undergo the necessary restoration work,” the news release stated.
LCBO says the closure is for the safety of employees and customers as its primary concern and reason for the store's temporary closure. Elliot Lake customers can go to LCBO stores in Blind River and Spanish which are open seven days a week. Customers can also order products online at LCBO.com.
“We appreciate the community’s understanding as we work to reopen in the coming weeks,” the statement reads. "We will send additional updates as the restoration progresses."
Also lost in the fire was the Tree and Fog store which sold smoking paraphernalia including pipes. The store had been operated for almost five years and its owner Dave made an appeal on social media.
“It’s hard to put into words what this last week has been like,” he said on his online feed. “Just wanted to send a thank you to everyone who has been checking in with me and offering help.”
The owner said he will be listing items salvaged from the fire and new items he has received since the fire destroyed his business and is hoping customers will buy products from his feed.