Sauna heating unit pinpointed in mall fire

Charlottetown's fire investigator has traced the start of the weekend fire at the Charlottetown Mall to the heating unit in the women's sauna at the Spa Total Fitness Centre.

The fire started Sunday, and led to the mall being shut down Monday. The mall reopened for normal hours Tuesday.

"I've classified it as accidental, with failure on the installation of the heating unit," said Winston Bryan, adding his investigation is complete.

Damage to The Spa, daycare

The Spa occupies a lower level of the mall, and Bryan said smoke damage is extensive there.

"The smoke buildup was tremendous within the confines of that level. The bottom level itself sustained heavy smoke damage and water damage," said Bryan.

The Spa, along with its associated daycare, remains closed. Bryan said with the smoke damage he does not believe the daycare will be able to salvage many of its books and toys.

There was some limited smoke damage on the main level of the mall, particularly in the food court area.

Gym to re-open, daycare relocated

Colin Younker, owner of The Spa and daycare said gym staff spent Tuesday cleaning and are preparing to re-open the gym Wednesday morning.

"They're doing everything they can. The support has been great from the community, from our staff, from our members, you know we really appreciate all the support coming in," he said. "We're just looking forward to getting back open and serve our members again."

As for the daycare, Younker said it will be three to four weeks until it can re-open, but in the meantime will be running at the Calvary Church as of Wednesday.

"Today we spent the day moving some things over, getting set up and we're going to be open for our children tomorrow morning on schedule."

Younker said the locker rooms, the pool and squash courts will remain closed while damage is repaired.

However, the facility's gym, fitness rooms, and CrossFit areas will re-open tomorrow at 5:30 a.m. and fitness classes will resume as usual. 

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