Former Richlea Hotel Destroyed in Wiseton Fire
By Kate Winquist
A tragic event unfolded on Tuesday, September 4th, in the small village of Wiseton, located west of Outlook. Around 1:45 PM, a fire broke out near the old bar and rapidly consumed several structures, including the local archives.
The blaze originated from a truck adjacent to the former hotel and quickly spread to the hotel’s bar and the nearby village office. The destruction was significant, obliterating both the hotel and town office, along with a safe that housed essential town records and various artifacts.
Click for larger images and captions
With the town office also serving as the local Canada Post, postal services will now be relocated to Dinsmore.
“Feeling pretty bad for my hometown of Wiseton,” posted former resident Dave Westbury on Facebook on Tuesday.
In remembrance, the Prairie West Historical Society in Eston shared an archived photo of the Richlea Hotel along with a 1955 advertisement for its sale on their Facebook page. This historic establishment is believed to have been relocated to Wiseton in the 1970s, following its earlier presence in Lacadena.
For history enthusiasts, this incident signifies the loss of yet another landmark in our province.