An expansive aerial drone shot featuring the downtown district and harbor of Kenora, Ontario. The image showcases the iconic white Jarnel Knob Pavilion, the city marina with docked boats, a traffic roundabout, and the scenic Lake of the Woods coastline. Surrounded by lush summer greenery and the rugged landscape of Northwestern Ontario, this photo captures the essence of a vibrant Canadian lakeside town along the Trans-Canada Highway.
KENORA – October 22, 2026 – The operators of the Fifth Street A&W, the Nickle family, told the Kenora Miner and News that the fire that gutted the restaurant on October 16 is heartbreaking. They also said it is not the end. The family and the people who worked at the location are looking ahead. The city has already recognized the firefighters who responded. No injuries were reported. The cause remains undetermined and is not considered suspicious.
The call came in at 5:55 p.m. The on-duty crew was already on another call. They upgraded the incident when they arrived and found heavy smoke. Everyone inside had already left. Crews switched to a defensive attack with an aerial master stream, ground monitors, and handlines. The fire was declared under control at 8:13 p.m. and fully out at 10:12 p.m. The building took extensive damage. Surrounding properties were protected. Fire Chief Gord Howard said the response showed the importance of teamwork and interagency collaboration.
The Nickle family’s statement is the first public comment from the operators since the fire. The city release focused on the response and the timeline. The family statement is the one that addresses what comes next. No reopening date has been announced. No decision on whether the same building will be repaired or replaced has been published. The rest of the local record is the recognition of the crews and the confirmation that no one was hurt. The family has said they are still looking ahead. That is the part that is new this week.
The Fifth Street location was a regular stop for residents and for people travelling Highway 17. The loss of the building takes that stop off the map until a decision is made. The city has not said whether any temporary site is being considered. The family has not said whether they will rebuild on the same lot or look for another. Those details are not in the coverage so far. What is on the record is the timeline of the fire, the absence of injuries, the cause still undetermined, and the family’s statement that the fire is not the end. The rest is the decision that has not been announced.
About the Author
Discover more from RL News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
