Wortley Village bands together to support shop owners displaced by alleged arson

London's Wortley Village is like a family, and Sharinne Snellen says she is glad to be a part of it.

After an alleged arson left her and her neighbour's businesses closed for the foreseeable future, Snellen says she's been overwhelmed by the support from the community.

On Friday, her jewellery and gift business, Sha Choix, will reopen in a pop-up location just south on Wortley Road, provided for free by a local real estate broker through the month of December.

"It's incredible how this village, how supportive they are," she said.

Firefighters raced to Snellen's building at Wortley Road and Bruce Street in the early morning hours of Nov. 28 for a fire that ultimately caused around $2 million worth of damage. 

It took eight fire crews and two aerial rigs to put out the blaze, which began in a unit above Snellen's store at 158 Wortley Rd. 

A week later, the store remains closed, along with A Village Tail, a pet supply business at 160 Wortley Rd. The store can't reopen until structural engineers give the all clear on both buildings, its owner said.

"I'm hoping, obviously, sooner than later, given it's the holiday season," said Cindy Wrona. The store's food room is immediately behind the rear wall of Snellen's shop, and suffered significant damage.

"The main room of the store seems to be okay for the most part," Wrona said.

After being awoken by a call from Snellen, Wrona rushed to the scene but could only watch as fire crews fought to keep the blaze at bay.

"I'm so grateful for them that they were able to put it out so quickly," she said.

Restoration crews were on site Thursday as a metal fence blocked off the pair's storefronts. 

Both are waiting on insurance to assess what inventory was lost, a process Snellen says can't be completed until hydro is restored, possibly in two weeks.

In a statement, a city official said a building inspector attended the site on Tuesday and issued an unsafe order, noting "extensive structural damage" to the building's second floor due to the fire.

"Extent of damage to building includes but is not limited to damaged roof joists, structural supporting members, floor joists, interior and exterior walls," the order reads.

"The order requires the owner to have an engineer visit the site and provide recommendations for the repair and that the repair be under permit," said Alan Shaw, the city's chief building official.

Failure to correct the issues by Jan. 23, 2025 could see another order prohibiting the use of the building, and/or legal action with steep fines upon conviction, the order reads.

Apartments are located above both businesses. Those in two units have been allowed back, but are waiting for hydro to be reconnected. 

A 75-year-old man, whom neighbours say lived in the top-floor unit in Snellen's building, faces two arson charges and is due in court Dec. 6.

Al Stewart, who owns Westland Gallery in the same row of businesses, described the accused as having lived a "hard life for the longest time," and recalled firefighters went in looking for him.

Fifteen minutes later, the man came walking down the street, saying he had been out for a walk. He then "stood and watched the fire," with them, Stewart said. His gallery sustained damage to its roof and a rear door, but reopened soon after. 

"I'm trying to find some kind of compassion, but I'm still far too angry for that," he said. "He put people's lives at risk. Those firemen went up into a burning building to try and save his life, and he wasn't there."

The community has rallied around Snellen and Wrona ahead of what would have been a busy holiday shopping season for them.

An online fundraiser is being organized, and a local artist, John Sherbourne, is spearheading a raffle to support A Village Tail, with a draw set for Dec. 14.

Sherbourne, who is known for his charcoal portraits of people and pets, has partnered with Wrona for the raffle, which will see a lucky winner receive a framed pet portrait of their choice.

"Happy to help, and 100 per cent of the proceeds are going to A Village Tail. I just encourage people to try and help out if they can," he said.

Snellen, Stewart and Wrona will appear at a community town hall Thursday at the Wortley YMCA with representatives from the city, fire department and police.

Residents will get an update on the fire, and hear how the community is rallying together, said Angie Reeves, owner of The MYLIE Group, the brokerage supplying Snellen's temporary space.

"Wortley really tends to stick together, period, but especially in times like this," she said.