A brief look at the history of the Old Marina Restaurant
A fire at the Old Marina Restaurant in Puslinch has left the building gutted and added another notable event to its history, which spans nearly a century.
This is the second time a fire has severely damaged the building.
According to the restaurant's website, the building’s storied past begins in the 1920s when it was originally built as a dance hall by the City of Guelph.
During this time, the attraction drew big band artists to perform for guests, some of whom stayed in a hotel next door.
One summer, the Ringling Brothers set up their tightrope for practice between the hotel and dance hall, according to the website.
A picture of the Old Marina Restaurant shows what came before. (Courtesy/Old Marina Restaurant)
In the decades that followed, the building morphed into a marina.
In the 1950s, it became a water ski school and pro shop. The McClintock's Ski School is still operating today out of the original hotel building.
The Old Marina Restaurant and Gift House was established in 1993 as a family-oriented casual dining spot overlooking the water.
In May 2005, it was destroyed in an overnight fire.
“The building's been here a lot longer than you and I - there's a lot of good memories in that building,” said Jeff McClintock, the owner of the building during an interview on May 12, 2005.
A picture of the Old Marina Restaurant shows what came before. (Courtesy/Old Marina Restaurant)
Deemed accidental and blamed on an electrical short in the wiring, the owners promised almost immediately they would rebuild.
“We'll start again, we're fighters. We'll go again,” said Donna McKenna, the restaurants co-owner during an interview on May 12, 2005.
A picture of the Old Marina Restaurant shows what came before. (Courtesy/Old Marina Restaurant)
The new building opened two years later as an event space and restaurant serving up its famous Puslinch burger, featuring a crispy "pull and peel" cheese ring.
The new business was a popular place to eat and often busy. Patrons were able to enjoy the beautiful view of the lake as they ate.
“Everybody that comes to visit, family and friends, we'll bring them over there for a lunch or dinner or snack, it's got the best view around. Can't beat it for a restaurant,” said Tyler Rockcliffe, a witness of the fire on Saturday, July 31.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.