The Ontario Fire Marshal’s (OFM) office has confirmed there will be no further investigation into the May 3 fire at the Wigamog Inn site in Haliburton.
Sean Driscoll, OFM spokesperson, told The Highlander in a May 7 email that the provincial watchdog was notified of the fire but will not be following up.
“The Fire Protection and Prevention Act mandates that the OFM conduct an investigation to determine cause, origin and, circumstances of any fire or explosion as deemed necessary,” Driscoll said, indicating the blaze didn’t meet the fire marshal’s criteria for further inspection.
On its website, the OFM states it investigates fires that result in fatality or serious injury; where the loss is significant to the community, at either $1 million in damages or twice the residential average sale price for the area; that involve illegal drug operations; or result in widespread public concern, with environmental hazards listed.
In a recent interview, Jerry Stokes, who resides in the neighbouring Silver Beach subdivision, said he and many neighbours are worried about the impact possible contaminants, such as asbestos and lead-based paints, could have on the atmosphere.
Driscoll did not respond to a follow-up asking if Stokes’ concerns constituted an environmental hazard, though noted in his initial response that police agencies take the lead in criminal investigations and have the power to make the determination of criminality, suspicious or otherwise.
Haliburton Highlands OPP cadet Victoria Preddy said, “police canvassed the area to see if anyone saw suspicious activity around the time of the fire. Police came back with negative results on canvassing… looks like the fire marshal declined to investigate due to no evidence of potential arson being present.”
Meanwhile, Gary Wheeler, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP), said nobody has contacted the ministry to notify them of the fire. Demolition of the property has been paused since June 2023 after MECP confirmed the presence of two at-risk species, bats and the eastern hognosed snake.
Site owner, Aurora Group, has been told it needs to complete more environmental testing to determine whether any of the species, or their habitat, exist at or near the proposed demolition activity before teardown can resume.
In a May 7 email, Wheeler confirmed that requirement is still in place.
“If demolition activities are still required, Aurora Group or whomever is conducting the demolition is responsible for determining whether the activities require authorization under the Endangered Species Act and take appropriate next steps,” he said.
Dysart et al mayor Murray Fearrey said the township is seeking legal opinion as council considers its next steps. He wants to see the remainder of the site torn down as soon as possible.
“It’s frustrating – council or staff, we’ve either fumbled the ball, or didn’t get the ball in the right position for this to have gone on as long as it has. We’ve got to be nearing the end here now. With this fire, I don’t know what we can do, but council is committed to finding a way to finish this job legally. We’re working on it,” Fearrey said.
With the roof of the main lodge caving in during the fire, the mayor expressed concern over the building’s structural integrity. He suggested any species that were living within the Wig’s confines likely aren’t anymore, questioning the MECP’s decision to uphold study requirements before demolition can proceed.
“Common sense has to prevail here sooner rather than later,” Fearrey said.
