On Wednesday, January 15th 2025, sadly the historic Sutherland Hotel at 785 Main Street burnt down.

Built in 1882, with an addition by architect, Frank Evans in 1913, this building had been vacant for a few of years, but a deal to sell it had closed only a few days prior to the fire. The new owners intention was to convert the Sutherland Hotel into much needed housing.

While it was modest in design, the hotel held strong historical significance. Originally the Cosmopolitan Hotel, then the Palace Hotel, and later renamed to Sutherland, the 140 year old building was one of the oldest in the North End, and largest downtown building north of the CPR lines when built. It was not designated by the city, but was recognized on their Commemorative list.

The Sutherland had also become a recipient of public art in the neighbourhood. A mural titled “The Fancy Shawl Dancers” was completed on the facade of the building in 2018, by Dee Barsy and Kenneth Lavallee. The artwork celebrated Indigenous culture by depicting a powwow dance style.

We are disheartened by the loss of this historic building, but we hope that this story will bring much-needed attention to the dangers of leaving buildings vacant with no day to day oversight.

Read More:

City News – Loss of Sutherland Hotel to fire “very sad”

CBC News – Sutherland Hotel reduced to rubble as heritage advocates call for more protection for vacant buildings

Winnipeg Free Press – Sutherland Hotel Destroyed by Fire