Christopher Lake Hotel and Bar fire aftermath. (Michael Joel Hansen/paNOW Staff) : Glenn Hicks

By Glenn Hicks

fire aftermath

Hotel owner devastated by total fire loss

Mar 6, 2019 | 2:03 PM

As the owner of the destroyed Christopher Lake Heritage Hotel and Bar awaits the outcome of the fire investigation, he said the landmark was a cornerstone of the community. Robert Reddekopp has not ruled out a rebuild.

The well-known and long-standing watering hole, which was originally constructed in 1957, burned to the ground Tuesday despite the efforts of two rural fire departments to tackle the blaze.

Reddekopp said it was too early to decide what he’ll do.

“I would like to [rebuild]; it’s a big loss to the community, but at this stage I’m just trying to digest what happened,” he told paNOW.

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Reddekopp, who is based in Warman, said it was devastating to see the place ablaze when he drove up Tuesday.

“It was so far gone, there was nothing. I could see the smoke from 10 miles. It was totally devastating,” he said.

How the site looked before the devastating fire. (Facebook/Christopher Lake Heritage Hotel and Bar)

Reddekopp added he spent a lot of time and effort renovating the 62-year-old site inside and out since he became the owner three years ago.

“We had totem pole carvings throughout the deck and built-in, new stucco throughout, a relocated kitchen and fully done restaurant and upgraded all six hotel rooms,” he said. “That gives you an idea of the time, effort and pain we put into it.”

The Lakeland Fire Department has not yet released information regarding the cause of the fire. The person who made the initial 911 call told paNOW it seemed the fire started in the kitchen area and the flames smashed through windows within minutes.

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glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow