Elsipogtog First Nation residents are in shock following the destruction of their youth centre in a suspicious fire on Thursday morning.
Elsipogtog Chief Arren Sock said in a statement to Global News that the centre has been “an integral part of our community for more than 20 years.”
“Our thoughts are with our youth, our youth support staff and our community as a whole,” said Sock, adding that there were no injuries.
In order to decide what steps will be taken to guarantee that youth services can continue in the short term, he said the council is in discussion with youth support staff.
Around five in the morning, Rowen Milliea, a junior firefighter from Elsipogtog who had previously attended the youth center, arrived on the scene.
“When I got here the roof was already collapsed, so I knew it was done the moment I got here,” he said.
According to Milliea, he has happy memories of visiting the centre and was sad to see it close.
According to Milliea, “I believe it brought the youth together and it demonstrates just how much our community cares about our children.”
He referred to the 2020 fire that forced the closure of the neighbourhood hockey arena for two years when he said it was devastating to see another fire at a well-liked gathering place in the neighborhood.
“Because of everything this community has been through, it just makes me sad. ”
Milliea is hoping for a speedy reconstruction of the center.
RCMP spokesperson Cpl.
The investigation into the fire is ongoing, and Hans Ouellette stated to Global News on Saturday that they encourage anyone with information to contact police.
Elsipogtog Youth Center was destroyed in a suspicious fire, which is just sad.
About Author
