Monkton residents hope burned down landmark will be rebuilt
Cherie Smith could hardly believe her eyes as one of Monkton’s landmarks burned right in front of her.
“There was maybe 15 minutes of flames and then the backhoe was here bringing it down. It was really emotional,” said the Monkton resident.
Smith and Sandra Machan both grew up in Monkton and both worked at the former Red Maple Hotel and Dining Lounge in their 20s. Seeing it go up in flames, last Monday, was hard to believe.
“It was a large part of our community here in Monkton. It was a place to go, to hang out with friends. A place to go with family for a nice, decent meal. It’s one of the things you hope to never see happen, but it did,” said Machan, who still calls the Monkton area home.
It took over 30 firefighters from five Perth and Huron County stations several hours to bring the fire under control on Nov. 21.
Fire officials don’t know what started the blaze, in the now unoccupied building, that most recently housed an antiques store.
But what’s left behind is bringing back bittersweet memories for locals of what was once, the Red Maple Hotel, the heart of the community.
Remnants of Red Maple Hotel following a Nov. 21 fire. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)“Sandra’s dad was a regular. I can still see him sitting at the bar, watching the TV. Don’t touch his TV. It was the hub of the community, really,” said Smith.
While they don’t have any say on what happens to the private property, locals are hopeful something can be built to replace the iconic building.
If nothing else, they hope the mess left behind from November’s fire, can be cleaned up as quickly, as possible.
“It’s a devastating loss and to have to look out the window everyday and see it. It’d be nice if it got cleaned up so we didn’t have to see it,” Smith added.
“It would be nice if it could actually become another tavern, but I mean, time will tell,” said Machan.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.