Fire cleanup almost complete, St. Patrick's Church expected to reopen at end of July

More than a month and a half after a fire closed St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church, the Yellowknife parish hopes toreturn services to the building bythe end of July.

The fire on June 4in the adjacent church hall and flea market caused severesmoke damage to the sanctuary, forcing the church to close its doors.

"When we were coming in the beginning, you could just feel the smoke," saidFatherMarekPisarek.

"It was hard to breathe."

He said cleaningof everything from the ceiling to the pews and books, as well asventilation,hasmade a big improvement.

"Now they are cleaning and washing the carpets because it also takes up the contaminated smoke so they have to wash it very seriously."

In the meantime, masses are being held at St. PatrickHigh School. One wedding and onefuneral were moved toHoly Trinity Anglican Church and another funeral was held at the school.

Sunday mass is expected to be held at the church again at the end of July, andPisarek saidbeing able to hold services in the church again will bring him great joy.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, though the Yellowknife fire department determinedit to besuspicious. The church hall and flea market will remain closed until further notice as they are still undergoing repairs and cleanup.