Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Southpoint Sun - 3
New owners plan to rebuild
Loss of iconic landmark prompts memories, sadness
Leamington firefighters battle the blaze on Point Pelee Drive on Thursday, April 1. The former restaurant was destroyed. Photo courtesy of Leamington Fire
By Mark Ribble LEAMINGTON — This area lost one of its most recognizable landmarks last week in an April 1 morning fire that destroyed the former Paula’s Fish Place Restaurant. Fire crews got the call shortly after 6 am on Thursday and found the building fully engulfed in flames when they arrived. Crews were on site all morning and when the smoke settled, all that was left was a shell of the building. The former restaurant was not inhabited and had not been open for several months. The property was sold a few weeks ago. Former owner, Paula Ouellette, says she is devastated by the loss of what she called her home for 28 years. “It was really like my home,” she said. “It always felt like customers were guests in our home.” Over the years, it had become a favourite stop for birders, tourists and many locals who made Paula’s their favourite coffee spot in the morning. “Most of my key management people had been with me for the last 22 years,” said Ouellette. “We employed family members, parents, sisters and nieces.” “It comes as an utter shock,” she added. “People have called and messaged me to share their amazing memories.” Ouellette said that although she no longer owns the property, it was like losing a beloved member of her family. “I have so many great memories, and I’m sad to see it go,” she said. The new owners, Jeanna and Jimmy Simoni, were having some reno-
vations done to turn the building into their dream Airbnb operation. They were equally
shocked at what transpired on April 1. “We were so close to opening,” said Jeanna.
Current owners of the property, Jimmy and Jeanna Simoni, plan to rebuild. Photo submitted
15 JOHN ST. LEAMINGTON
She was also “We’re shocked and sadthankful that dened about this.” was Simoni said that they nobody had just put the finishing hurt. touches on the Airbnb “We’re thanksuite upstairs and were ful and blessed nobody expecting visitors in the that coming weeks. They also was in there,” had plans to turn the she said. downstairs into Jimbo’s According to Snack Shack, where they L e a m i n g t o n would serve takeout food Fire, the cause and snacks. Also planned of the blaze is undeterwas an indoor market still where they’d incorporate mined, but the Fire a candy shop and sell Ontario Marshal’s ofbaked goods. Former owner, Paula Ouellette, “It’s been my dream fice was not centre, is flanked by kitchen managsince my kids were little,” called in to iner Lori Pouget and her sister, Donna Jeanna said. “We’ve put vestigate. Shilson, at a celebration in 2014. a lot of work into getting Photo submitted it ready, but we’ll have to start over.” And start over — they will. The Simonis have plans to rebuild on the site and make their dreams for a family business come true. “We were so excited to meet people, greet birders and realize our dream,” she said. “But that’s all on hold while we plan our next steps.” The fire’s aftermath — a burned out shell. Sun photo
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