‘It’s all gone:’ Island Cafe and Ward’s Island Clubhouse destroyed in early morning fire

Residents on Ward’s Island are in disbelief after an early morning fire destroyed the Ward’s Island Association Clubhouse, a longtime fixture on the island.

The clubhouse, which also contained the Island Cafe, was fully engulfed in flames when fire crews arrived on scene just before 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

The charred remains of the structure were still smouldering early Sunday afternoon as fire crews stood watch for any hotspots.

Toronto Fire Chief Matthew Pegg says crews will remain on the island overnight until heavy equipment can be brought in to begin the task of determining the cause and origin of the blaze.

“Fortunately, no reported injuries. Unfortunately of course a mainstay, a really important part of the island culture and our city culture has been lost,” said Pegg.

Island residents say it’s a great loss for what has been a hub of Ward’s Island.

“I think I’m still in shock as it only happened this morning,” said Alison Gzowski, president of the Ward’s Island Association. “All our memories are in there. That building was built in 1937 by volunteers, each of my parents was a president of this, and all of us have long-term memories and attachments to that building.”

For one local, stopping by was part of the daily routine.

“We’d come to the cafe every morning when it was open through the season. Have our coffee, and say good morning to everybody. So there was that aspect but also we had so many events here that were community building.”

The clubhouse, originally built between 1937 and 1938, plays host to several events from May to October including weddings, anniversaries, company meetings, seminars and picnics. The second iteration of the Island Cafe has been in operation since 2010.

“The clubhouse that burned down is over 70 years old …it’s all gone,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow after seeing the devastation up close on Sunday afternoon. “But Islanders are very resilient and as I went to visit them they said they will rebuild and they will find a way to operate it over the summer.”

Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik said in a post on X she was “deeply saddened by the loss of this cherished community space,” adding she has been in touch with Toronto Fire and community members to determine the next steps.

Rob Leth and Michelle Mackey both contributed to this report