A fire on the morning of June 13 destroyed the interior of the Ukrainian National Federation (UNF) hall in Regina, leaving the community heartbroken and facing an uncertain future.
The blaze, which broke out at the building on the 1700 block of St. John Street, started in the roof and on the second floor, according to Regina Fire and Protective Services (RFPS). Firefighters confirmed that all floors were clear and no injuries were reported.
Community in Mourning
Sean McEachern, vice-president of the UNF Regina Branch, described the emotional toll on the community. “People from the community came out; there was a lot of grieving,” he said. “It’s a building that played a critical role in previous generations.”
The historic structure, built in 1931, was a cornerstone for Ukrainian cultural activities in Regina. McEachern noted that its construction was a major event, with the premier and mayor in attendance. The city had been researching the hall for potential inclusion on a heritage inventory list.
Cultural Hub and Sanctuary
Since its formal establishment in the 1930s, the UNF has worked tirelessly to preserve and promote Ukrainian culture through social events, cultural programs, and its annual pavilion at the Mosaic Festival of Cultures. In recent years, the hall also served as a sanctuary for refugees fleeing Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“It provided an opportunity for them to bring their children to read in Scola (a Ukrainian language and culture school) and they became heavily engaged in social events and activities,” McEachern said. “There’s always a flurry of activity, people sitting at the table and speaking Ukrainian, making these traditional foods, kids playing, and it was a just a really happy environment, and that hall presented that environment.”
Uncertain Future
The fire has temporarily halted the hall’s seasonal programming, but organizers are already planning for the fall. Events and activities are expected to resume with support from local donations and the UNF board of directors. A GoFundMe page has been launched to raise funds.
McEachern said the fire department has told him the blaze is under investigation. RFPS did not respond to messages from the Regina Leader-Post. Once the damage is assessed, donations will likely go toward restoring the hall or finding a new location.
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