The Leslieville Elks have released a statement concerning the fire that destroyed the club's lodge on Dec. 29, a fire that has now become subject of an arson investigation.

In it, the club says it is "deeply saddened" by the loss of the lodge building, even more so by the loss of memorabilia and artifacts, including photos, elk mounts, and medallions as old as the club itself.

The group says it plans to rebuild and that members have been humbled by offers to help.

The club will "sort through insurance" before charting a course of action.

In the meantime, its monthly meetings will be held at the Leslieville Community Center.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our lodge building on Dec. 29, 2017. We are more saddened by the loss of precious memorabilia and artifacts contained within that building. Some items such as photos, elk mounts and medallions were as old as our club. Memories made in our building are countless.
Having said that, we are very thankful that the fire did not destroy someone’s home and very thankful that no one was hurt. Thank you to all the firefighters, emergency crews and anyone else who helped try to put out the blaze. Thank you also to the local people and businesses who helped keep them warm while on duty. Special thank you to our neighbouring hall – The Leslieville Community Center. We appreciate the center allowing us to use their facility for our monthly meetings interim.
We are a strong club within a strong community. This fire will set us back a few steps but we are hoping to rebuild and continue on as we always have. Our members have been humbled by the enormous amount of kind words and offers of help. Each one is respected and appreciated. Please be patient with us as we sort thru (sic) insurance first and make a course of action. At this time we do not wish to comment on the arson or investigation. We will leave that to the hands that are capable."
— On behalf of the Leslieville Elks B.P.O.E. #351

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The Rocky Mountain House RCMP are actively investigating a suspicious fire which occurred on Dec. 29 at the Elks Lodge in Leslieville.

After a scene examination on Jan. 2 by the Clearwater Regional Fire Chief, it has been determined that the fire was as a result of arson. 

The RCMP Forensic Identification Unit is assisting the Rocky Mountain House RCMP in this investigation.  Inquiries are being made with the general public to determine if anyone was a witness to this incident, or saw anyone suspicious.

At this point, a person of interest has been identified and RCMP can confirm that this investigation is progressing.

If you have information about this investigation, please call the Rocky Mountain House  RCMP at 403-845-2882 or call your local police detachment.  If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS.

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On Dec. 29, 2017 at approximately 7 p.m., Rocky Mountain House RCMP responded to a report of a structure fire at the Elks Lodge in Leslieville.

Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services crews contained the fire to the structure of origin.

Sadly, the building appears to be a total loss.

There were no injuries reported during this incident.

As the cause of this fire in undetermined, the scene will be secured until fire investigators can attend the site on Jan. 2, 2018.  

(photo courtesy of bystander Scott Finkbeiner)