Regina Ukrainians ‘deeply affected’ after federation hall destroyed by fire

From the outside of 1737 St. John Street, the Ukrainian National Federation’s building appears “untouched,” but fire over the weekend left interior of the hall destroyed.

The Ukrainian National Federation of Canada – Regina Branch said the blaze on Saturday has devastated the city’s Ukrainian cultural community.

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“While the building remains standing and from the outside looks untouched, the interior is destroyed,” the federation said in a social media post. “The UNF community has been deeply affected by this event.”

According to Regina Fire and Protective Services, the fire was reported at 6:38 a.m.

“Fire located on the 2nd floor and in the roof,” the fire department said in a social media post. “Searches completed and all clear on each floor. No injuries. Please avoid the area while crews continue working to get fire under control.”

The fire was reported to be under control in an update issued at 11:29 a.m.

“Crews continue to perform salvage and overhaul,” the fire department wrote. “RFPS asks the public to continue avoiding the area while operations continue. Inspector is now on scene to begin investigation into cause of the fire.”

The Ukrainian National Federation is seeking assistance from the local community in order to continue with its planned programming, like Ridna Shkola and other summer events and activities.

“This includes building the fiscal capacity to help bridge the organization to the next phase and volunteers to be successful,” read a GoFundMe page created to support the federation.

The federation said its hall has “been home to generations of Ukrainian families ” in Regina. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the hall has also functioned as a hub for newcomers fleeing the conflict.

Sean McEachern, vice-president of the federation’s Regina branch, said the Hall has served as a gathering place for both recent arrivals from Ukraine and generations of Ukrainian-Canadians in Regina.

He called the building “important,” saying “it serves a huge purpose as sort of that central meeting place for the community.”

“The focus on building a robust Ukrainian community and promoting and maintaining Ukrainian culture at the hall has remained steady since UNF Regina was formally established in the early 1930s,” the organization said in its post.

McEachern said celebrating the Ukrainian community and culture at the hall has been central to the organization, with the hall acting as a meeting place for both Ukrainians and members of the public.

“The hardwood floors have seen hundreds of dances, socials, weddings and banquets. It’s hosted public theatre and movie showings, and is home to the Chaban Ukrainian Dance School, Ridna Shkola (a Ukrainian language and culture school for children), UNF Youth, Chumaky Dragon Boat team and various social and cultural events,” McEachern stated.

He said many Regina residents have personal connections to the hall.

“There’s a lot of historical stories people tell about, ‘I attended someone’s wedding here,’ or ‘We watched a movie here back in the day,'” McEachern recalled. “It’s a hall that carries a lot of heritage and significance to people in the community.”

The federation’s online post stated that as the community processes the loss of the hall, the UNF’s board of directors will explore options for its future. McEachern said the organization’s priority is ensuring programs continue, particularly Ridna Shkola, the federation’s Saturday language and heritage school.

“We have close to 60 students in that program,” he said. “These are the students that will continue on their heritage, continue to be involved in UNF.”

He added that the federation is exploring temporary locations for its activities while long-term decisions about the hall are considered.

McEachern said the organization is still assessing its needs, but financial help would help bridge the gap as programming continues into the fall.

He noted the federation has started a Go Fund Me campaign called “Donate to Support UNF Regina” and is accepting donations.

–with files from 980 CJME’s Joshua Potter