Photo: Mayor Bill Powalinsky

“A sad day in the history of PA.” That’s how Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky refers to the night that saw the Salvation Army warming shelter burn to the ground. 

On Christmas night, the building caught fire and was reduced to nothing more than a skeleton, leaving dozens of people without a place to shelter from the cold winter temperatures. 

Powalinsky says a temporary warming shelter was relocated to the Prince Albert Grand Council Urban Services building, but a long-term building has now been identified.  

“The Union Centre is the option that we’re looking at. I talked to the Vice President of one of the Union Locals involved, and he said by all means.”

He adds that there are also a committed service provider and funder lined up, but the logistics are still being organized.

Powalinsky explains that the devastating loss is more than the building; the community is also losing food, worship, and social programming.  However, despite the unfortunate tragedy, the community has really pulled together to raise food and clothing donations. 

“In spite of that lonely, broken-down skeleton that’s there, the community spirit is just overwhelming.”

For now, the temporary shelter will be located at the Prince Albert Grand Council Urban Services building, until at least January 2nd. 

The cause of the blaze is still undetermined.