Douglas Tavern Fire: Ottawa Valley Tavern Burns to Ashes

On the night of Jan 6 2026, the Douglas Tavern in Douglas, Ontario—about 100 km west of Ottawa—burned to the ground. Fire Chief Bill McHale, whose parents ran the tavern from 1972 until its 2021 closure, led crews from six Renfrew County departments. Despite the building’s proximity to the fire station and rapid response, the blaze, fueled by layered additions dating back to 1884, could not be contained until after 3 a.m. Tuesday. No injuries were reported. The tavern had become a diner and furniture shop under owners Amanda Todd and Dan Peters in 2021. Investigators say the cause is undetermined and not suspicious, leaving the community to mourn a 50‑year‑old landmark.