Video – Beginning of a New Era for Beyond the Blue Box

Pete Fisher
8 months ago
• Categories: Local

Work has started to demolish a building gutted by fire last year in Cobourg.

The building that belongs to Beyond the Blue Box on Covert Street was destroyed by fire on September 20, 2023.

Firefighters tried their best with an interior attack, but the fire was to well involved in the inside and firefighters had to fight the flames from the exterior.

The Office of the Fire Marshal investigated the fire and determined the fire was not suspicious.

Damage was to extensive to the building and after getting the necessary the building was torn down on Monday

Executive Director of Beyond the Blue Box, Jane Hawthorne and other staff stood by watching the excavator do its job.

“It’s bittersweet. It’s been hard coming around the corner everyday and seeing the building in a state of disrepair.”

“It’s the beginning of a new era for Beyond the Blue Box and the community.”

Hawthorne said the plans at this point is the building will be rebuilt.

“That is the plan at this point.”

When the fire destroyed the building Hawthorne said the organization knew they had to continue to support the community and people with developmental disabilities who are employed at the Blue Box.

Two stores are open on King Street East near McGill Street for now until a new building can be built.

The Blue Box gives back 100% to whatever they bring in in their retail stores.

“Whether it be wages, supporting people with developmental disabilities, scholarships, helping people in need – everything stays here in our community – nothing leaves.”