Rutland Seniors Centre will remain closed ‘until further notice’ due to fire

KELOWNA – As feared, a fire at the Rutland Seniors Centre has disrupted a vital community hub.

At first glance, the arson fire late last month didn’t seem serious to the untrained eye but Rutland Seniors Centre Society president Sue Lord said it was worse than it first appeared.

“The place still reeks of smoke and everything has to be removed and cleaned,” Lord said. “Unfortunately, the centre had to be closed and will remain closed until further notice.”

Lord’s fear at the time was not the building or its contents but the effect such a disruption could have on the lives of some of their members.

“The Rutland Libary has come to our aid and offered the use of their facility and the Parkinson Rec Centre lets our members join their groups,” Lord added.

Kelowna Fire Department firefighters responded to reports of an explosion in the early hours of July 26.

They quickly knocked down the fire at the rear of the building but not before it damaged an extensive portion of the roof.

Three teens were later arrested after video surveillance footage was used to identify them. No one has yet been charged. 

The City of Kelowna owns the building on Dodd Road and will be responsible for repairs while insurance will cover most of the equipment losses.

No date has been determined for the building to reopen.

“Not much else is happening,” Lord said. “It will just take time."

To contact a reporter for this story, email John McDonald or call 250-808-0143 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.