Bathurst mayor says convention centre could go where fire destroyed 4 buildings

The mayor of Bathurst says a new convention centre could fill the hole left when four buildings were destroyed or demolished after a fire in the city's downtown late last year.

"There are no such facilities in the northern part of the province," MayorPaoloFongemie told Radio-Canada.

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On Nov. 27, 2015, Bathurstemergency crews responded to a building fire shortly beforemidnight at King Ave. The fire quicklyspread to neighbouring buildings on Main Street and King Avenue.

It took firefighters from Bathurst and several neighbouring agencies more than 16 hours to get the fire under control.

The blazedestroyed several local businesses, including a caf and wine bar, a pet store,several office spacesand the former Bank of Montreal building, which was built in 1919.

Lots belong to different owners

More than a year later, the lots remain empty, though some people park there.

The vacant lots belong to different owners, and the city council wants to attract new entrepreneurs to fill the gap in the downtown core.

Fongemie is floating the idea ofthe convention centre.

He said a facility like that can attract businesspeople to the north of the province. Having been here, they may return on vacation, he said.

The city is confident a project of some sort will take shape in the next few years.

Perry Kinsman, 53, of Bathursthas been charged with arson in connection with the fire, which caused more than $1 million in damage. He is awaiting a trial date.