Shell Lake curling rink consumed by fire

The Village of Shell Lake has lost one of its primary community gathering places.

The curling rink, which was been standing since 1967, was consumed by fire Saturday evening.

“It’s pretty devastating for a small community,” Mayor Anita Weiers told paNOW. “It was one feature in our community that was very active.”

She said many people in the community enjoyed the facility.

“The seniors especially enjoyed it, we had curling in the afternoons on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s and it was so well attended,” Weiers said. “It was the hub of activity. Everyone would go there for coffee and chat, and now its gone. So people are very upset.”

The aftermath of the fire at the curling rink in Shell Lake which happened on Saturday. (Submitted photo/Gloria Gingera)

Fortunately the community centre, which was adjacent to the curling rink, was saved.

The municipal fire hall which responds to the village and the rural municipality, as well as many community members, responded to the fire. There were no injuries reported.

“The fire hall responded immediately and called in help from the Spiritwood fire department,” Weiers said. “Local farmers also came to support them with water trucks. It was a joint effort and was well orchestrated.”

RCMP have declared the fire suspicious and are working with the Saskatchewan Public Safetly Agency to investigate.

At this point the village has no plans for a new rink in the future.