Fire collapses roof of Waegwoltic Club in south-end Halifax
An historic athletic club in south-end Halifax went up in flames Thursday.
The fire at The Waegwoltic Club began around 1:30 p.m.
The building was engulfed in flames and thick smoke billowed into the air. The roof and sides of the building collapsed.
Halifax deputy fire chief David Meldrum said Thursday evening crews initially entered the building in an “offensive” position to try and put out the fire, but it grew and forced crews to fight it from the outside.
“The Waegwoltic Club will receive very significant structural damage, perhaps destruction,” Meldrum said.
He said efforts were made to save historic pictures and items from the club.
The Waegwoltic is a members-only club on Coburg Road that first opened in 1908. It has about a dozen tennis courts, several pools and a sailing school.
Meldrum said there was a camp taking place at the time of the fire but everyone safely evacuated.
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Jewish group demands apology after MPs honoured man who fought for Nazis
Several Jewish advocacy organizations are condemning members of Parliament for giving a standing ovation to a man who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War.
It’s here! Rare asteroid sample lands on Earth after OSIRIS-REx drops cargo
Seven years after OSIRIS-REx was sent into space to retrieve a sample of an asteroid, the NASA-led spacecraft has delivered its cargo into Earth’s orbit, and Canada is set to receive a piece.
U.S. woman arrested after 55 dogs removed from animal rescue home, 5 dead puppies found in freezer
A Chandler woman who ran an animal rescue out of her now-condemned home has been arrested after dozens of abused dogs were discovered and five dead puppies found in a freezer, according to police.
A year after Fiona, a traumatized Newfoundland town backs away from the sea
One year after a wave driven by post-tropical storm Fiona slammed into the back of her house and twisted it like a corkscrew, some residents of Port aux Basques, N.L., are backing away from the sea.
Canadian autoworkers ratify deal with Ford Motor Company
Five days after reaching a tentative deal, Unifor members have voted to ratify a new three-year collective agreement with the Ford Motor Company.
'Milestone' OLG lottery jackpot to be drawn this week
A lucky lottery player will be the winner of a record-breaking multi-million dollar prize on Wednesday.
Hot rental market makes search 'stressful' for many -- and it won't get better soon
The competitive rental market across the country is seeing multiple factors combine: high interest rates deter buyers and add to rental demand, still-high inflation is squeezing renter budgets, there's an undersupply of purpose-built rental units and population growth is fuelling demand.
Man hospitalized in life-threatening condition after incident at Calgary pub holding eating contest
Calgary paramedics took a man to hospital in life-threatening condition on Saturday after an incident at the Ship and Anchor pub.
Passengers stuck upside down on Canada’s Wonderland ride
Passengers on a ride at Canada’s Wonderland were stuck upside down for almost 30 minutes on Saturday night.