The Bohne Building and the horse drawn carriages inside at the Coyote Flats Pioneer Village near Picture Butte, Alta., were destroyed by fire Sept. 18.
The building did not house displays for the museum and was closed to the public. It was currently being used as storage. However, four horse-drawn carriages stored inside were a total loss.
“The Bohne Building was used as a storage building, and was of lower importance when compared to our other heritage buildings,” said general manager Pieter van Ewijk.
“That said, the loss of any heritage building is devastating, and neither the building nor the carriages are likely replaceable.”
There was no insurance on the building or its contents because of the difficulty in obtaining insurance coverage for historical buildings and artifacts.
The cause of the fire is unknown but has been deemed suspicious. The RCMP and Office of the Fire Commissioner are investigating.
The pioneer village showcases every aspect of a homesteader’s life.
Contact ashley.robinson@producer.com
