Cause under investigation as blaze destroys block of shops in Nanaimo, B.C.

Mar 31, 2016 | 10:55 AM

NANAIMO, B.C. — A blaze that tore through a heritage building in Nanaimo, B.C., is being called a major loss for the Vancouver Island city.

“This is a key building for the downtown core,” said city councillor and area business owner Jerry Hong. 

“Everybody sees this building, and to lose this is tragic for downtown and all the businesses and residents of Nanaimo,” he said.

Flames broke out at around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Acme Restaurant building, on Commercial Street at Terminal Avenue, at the southern entrance to the downtown district.