Hornby Islanders are mourning the loss of the Sea Breeze Lodge, an island fixture that burned down Sunday night.
The call came in about 8 p.m. and firefighters arrived to find half the structure was engulfed, said Giff La Rose, chief of the Hornby Island Volunteer Fire Department.
About 40 people were in the restaurant and bar at the time, and all got out without incident, La Rose said.
“Oh my goodness, it’s such a shock for everybody because it’s an institution,” he said.
The original part of the lodge was built in 1936 and has seen numerous additions over the years, he said. The lodge is owned by the Bishop family.
“It’s a very popular spot ... and there are weddings,” La Rose said.
The lodge’s website describes it as situated on 12 acres of “spectacular and secluded waterfront.” Small cabins remain to accommodate tourists, but the main lodge and dining room are gone.
The lodge was framed with cedar and fir, said La Rose. It was levelled by the blaze.
Insurance adjusters were on scene Monday estimating the cost of the damage. The cause is under investigation, La Rose said.
