By Canadian Press

Minister announces coroner’s inquest into Vancouver hotel fire deaths

Jul 21, 2022 | 3:59 PM

VANCOUVER — B.C.’s public safety minister has announced a coroner’s inquest into the deaths of two people in a fire at the Winters Hotel in downtown Vancouver in April.

Mike Farnworth says in a statement that after the coroner has gathered sufficient evidence, an inquest jury will hear from witnesses under oath and make findings about the facts of the deaths.

He says the inquest jury could then make recommendations to prevent similar deaths in future. 

Police say 68-year-old Mary Ann Garlow and Dennis Guay, who was 53, were killed when the single-room occupancy hotel went up in flames in the Gastown neighbourhood on April 11.

Their bodies were only found a week after the blaze. 

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Culturally appropriate food goes beyond the ingredients on a plate

7h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

Dec 13, 2024

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: How to reduce food waste in Kamloops during the festive season

Dec 13, 2024

The hotel was home to many low-income residents and has since been demolished.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 21, 2022.

The Canadian Press