Fire Engulfs Vacant ManWin Hotel in Winnipeg
Emergency crews are currently battling a significant fire at the ManWin Hotel in Winnipeg, a building steeped in history. The fire broke out at approximately 4 a.m. Wednesday, leading to the evacuation of nearby structures and the closure of Main Street.
Overview of the Incident
The blaze engulfed the 144-year-old hotel, which has been vacant for a year. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find thick smoke billowing from the two-storey structure, with parts of the building having already collapsed by 6:30 a.m.
Emergency Response
- Firefighters were dispatched around 4 a.m.
- Main Street was closed between Disraeli Freeway and Higgins Avenue.
- Logan Avenue was also closed to traffic between King Street and Disraeli.
History of the ManWin Hotel
The ManWin Hotel originally opened in 1882 as the Walker House and has undergone several name changes, including Britannia Hotel and National Hotel. It served as a long-term residence at one point and has had a troubled history marked by health issues and criminal incidents.
In January 2025, city officials ordered the hotel’s permanent closure due to ongoing electrical, structural, and fire-safety problems. Frequent inspections had previously forced temporary closures due to health hazards.
Community Impact
The hotel is situated next to the Main Street Project, an organization providing critical services to individuals facing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. In response to the fire, buses have been mobilized to offer shelter to those displaced by the emergency.
This fire at the vacant ManWin Hotel highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing safety and livability issues in older buildings in Winnipeg.
