A blaze Wednesday morning destroyed the East Elmwood Community Centre in Winnipeg.
"It's heartbreaking – a lot of hard work gone," said Les Getty, the building's caretaker.
The fire was reported around 4:30 a.m.
Crews arrived to find the building, in the 900 block of Beach Avenue, engulfed in heavy smoke and flames.
Firefighters worked through the day to get the blaze under control.
One firefighter was injured and burnt his hands while fighting the blaze.
The building is considered a write-off.
The community centre had recently undergone about $40,000 in renovations. The centre offered programming for area children and also included a daycare.
The community centre had offered a range or programming to children in the area.
"We (lent) them skates. We have 25 to 30 kids here every night skating. Now, I don't know where they are going to go," said Les Getty.
For now, most of the kids programs at the centre will be moved to the Keenleyside Resource Centre.
The nearby Kent Road School was closed to students and staff Wednesday due to the fire. Some nearby homes were also evacuated as a precaution.
There's no word yet on what caused the fire, but it's believed fresh footprints were found in the snow, leading away from the centre.
The arson strike force is investigating.
Officials with the centre said that they want to rebuild and are calling on the city for help.
Mayor Sam Katz said he's already received calls from people who want to help rebuild the centre.
The city is currently working on finding an alternative space. Other community centres have stepped up to offer space and programming in the meantime.
The General Council of Winnipeg Community Centres is also involved now and is working on a long-term plan.
- with a report from CTV's Stacey Ashley
