The historic Telegraph Cove has been devastated by a fire which left the boardwalk, several buildings and a small whale museum in ruin.
The fire broke out sometime in the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 31st, and saw fire departments from all neighbouring communities collectively try to mitigate damage and extinguish the flames.
Once the fire was brought under control, the owners of Telegraph Cove Resort, Gordie and Marilyn Graham revealed that the buildings which were destroyed were the Old Saltery Pub, the Killer Whale Café, the Wastell Manor heritage house, the Prince of Whales offices and staff housing as well as the beloved educational Whale Interpretive Centre.
The Grahams have been running Telegraph Cove since 1979, and are responsible for the establishment of the onsite resort which people from all around the world flock to visit.
Because of their deep ties to the site and its history, the Grahams say the emotional toll this fire has taken is immeasurable.
“This resort isn’t just a business to us—it is our home, our history, and our legacy,” said Gordie Graham.
“My wife and I are nearing retirement. We are devastated to witness our life’s work, which I milled and built with my own hands, go up in flames. While we are grateful that no one was harmed in the fire, we are experiencing one of our worst nightmares.”
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The Grahams added that they have been grateful for every message of support they have received from the community.
They say it will take time to recover and heal from the destruction caused by this blaze.
“Telegraph Cove has always been a place of connection and renewal,” said Marilyn Graham.
“While today we mourn, we also look to the future with hope. My phone is ringing steadily with messages of support and community members checking in on us. We appreciate every message.”
The Grahams also noted that no resort guests were onsite at the time of the fire, and that the full scale of the damages are still being determined.
At this time, the fire’s cause is still under investigation by local authorities.
As the matter is investigated, there is no access to the property.
A GoFundMe page has been launched by the Grahams’ child Kareen, in an effort to raise funds for rebuilding the site.
Thus far, the fundraiser has garnered just $1,950 of its $250,000 goal.
