Candle Lake Golf Resort is one of Saskatchewan’s most popular golf and wedding destinations. (Submitted photo)

By Nigel Maxwell

Fire response

Fire at Candle Lake Golf Course

Sep 23, 2024 | 8:56 AM

The Mayor of Candle Lake says it’s a sad day for the community.

Colleen Lavoie is responding to the early morning fire that destroyed a large section of the resort village’s golf clubhouse. Fire crews arrived are on scene around 12:30a.m. and Lavoie was not far behind.

“By the time I got there you realized this is a big event like this building is going down,” she said.

The large structure is essentially divided into two sections, and Lavoie said it was thanks to the work by fire crews, that the fire was contained to the area that houses the kitchen, retail store and administration office.

While damage is still being assessed, it appears the other half of the building where the hotel and banquet rooms are located was saved. This was due to the fact fire crews tore down the walkway that links the two sides.

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“‘[They] brought that down and never broke a piece of glass like absolutely amazing,” Lavoie said.

(Facebook/ Candle Lake Coffee Chat)

(Facebook/ Candle Lake Coffee Chat)

In addition to Candle Lake’s Fire Department, crews from Prince Albert and Meath Park were also providing assistance. According to a statement from the Resort Village, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency also provided backup.

Townhouses, Cabins and RV Park were not affected by the fire.

People in the adjacent hotel and banquet facility were evacuated as crews fought the fire.

“Crews applied water to the exterior of the structure and demolished the link between the two buildings to keep the fire from spreading to the adjacent structure. No injuries were reported,” said the Village.

Lynn Flury, Director of Globex Management Corporation, provided a statement for paNOW, and noted the structure is a cherished cornerstone of the Candle Lake community.

“Despite this absolute tragedy, the golf course remains open for play. Golfers are invited to visit the resort and support the community during this difficult time. Candle Lake Golf Resort is a pillar of our community. The resort is committed to rebuilding and returning stronger than ever,” she said.

Mutual aid was released from the scene around 9:00am but crews from the Candle Lake department remained on scene.

As of 11 am, the fire was contained to the main building and firefighters are still working to extinguish the fire. In the meantime Lavoie noted the golf course is the community’s biggest employer

“It’s devastating for the owners, it’s devastating for the employer, and it’s devastating for us as a whole community,” she said.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell