Tofino restaurant destroyed by fire to reopen at nearby resort
A popular Tofino, B.C., restaurant that was destroyed by fire shortly before Christmas is poised to open at a new location in the comings weeks.
Shelter restaurant was engulfed in an overnight fire on Dec. 22. The Campbell Street eatery had been a staple in the community for 20 years when it was gutted by one of the largest fires in recent memory in the community.
No one was injured in the blaze, which is still under investigation Wednesday, according to Tofino's deputy fire chief Emily Coombs.
The restaurant's ownership has signed a lease agreement with the nearby Tofino Resort and Marina, where it plans to open a "revitalized food and beverage facility" in the former 1909 Kitchen and Bar location early this spring, according to a statement from the resort.
A spokesperson for the Tofino Resort and Marina confirmed Wednesday that the restaurant will open under the Shelter name and the move to the new location will be permanent.
1909 KITCHEN AND BAR CLOSED, STAFF TERMINATED
1909 Kitchen and Bar was slated to reopen after its seasonal closure on Feb. 8. However, the restaurant will now remain closed indefinitely.
Former staff of 1909 Kitchen and Bar who spoke with CTV News on Wednesday say they were summoned to an emergency all-staff meeting on Monday where they were told their employment had ended due to the Shelter takeover.
The resort says all employees who were let go will receive full severance pay and will be allowed to remain in their complimentary staff accommodations until Feb. 18, at which point they can pay to stay until the end of March, when they will have to vacate.
The resort declined to say how many restaurant workers were affected by the loss of employment and housing. Staff who spoke to CTV News estimated up to 25 employees had lost their jobs, all but a handful of whom currently live in staff accommodations.
"All former 1909 Kitchen and Bar employees have been invited to apply to Shelter Group who are looking to fill a range of immediate roles," the resort said.
Guests with reservations at the former 1909 Kitchen and Bar will be contacted about cancellations, according to the resort.
'STILL IN THE PLANNING STAGES'
Shelter restaurant general manager Karen Debi confirmed the move to the new location Wednesday, and said the transition to the new space will take considerable time.
"Since the fire we’ve been working hard to figure out the next steps for Shelter and our team," Debi said in an emailed statement.
"This doesn’t mean Shelter as we knew it will be up and running tomorrow, but over time we’ll be able to create a new and evolved Shelter," she added. "Currently, we’re still in the planning stages and don’t have concrete dates on our opening."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.