The Lefebvre’s building is a loss

“Heartbreaking, it’s awful, that’s just so sad,” were only a few expressions of disbelief heard this morning as folks stopped to look at what is left of Lefebvre's Source for Adventure building after fire ripped through the building Tuesday night.

City fire crews remain on scene this morning pouring water on the 122 Main St. W. location in an effort to keep the flames out and from spreading to adjoining buildings.

There are still no leads as to what started the blaze but Deputy Fire Chief Brian Hunt confirmed this morning that the Lefebvre’s building is a loss while the Vested Interest on McIntyre St. side is saved so far.

He also confirmed that the Ontario Fire Marshal’s has been called to investigate.

"They’ve been working really diligently trying to hold that fire to where it is, but we have a lot of fire load in there and the guys have been working from the back working forward to stop the progression. So we’re just trying to keep it isolated in that one area," explains Deputy Fire Chief Brian Hunt.

Hunt says the –20ºC temperatures along with the heavy fire load in the building added difficulty for the crews fighting the fire.

"As you can see everything is freezing, right, we have severe ice conditions around here; we’ve got to be very careful with that.”



Established in 1913 Lefebvre’s has been a a staple in the downtown core. For 30+ years the family run business has been offering sporting goods at the current location.

The frame at the top of the building, which sits in what was once known as the Cochrane Block, indicates the historical building was erected in 1911.

As a result of the fire the Abbey Cards and Gifts, H&R Block and Pita Pit as well as a number of other businesses including the Thompson Building are closed today.