Mr. Speaker, the Yukon has recently lost a treasure in the beloved and historic Westminster Hotel. I caught a last glimpse of this famous establishment, affectionately known as “The Pit”, while attending Dawson City's Gold Show just a couple of weeks ago.
Though closed after flooding during December's deep freeze, the hotel still glowed with rose-coloured pride in the evening light of Dawson's early summer. Sadly, it was just the next morning that we watched this storied pink dame of Dawson give way to a fatal fire.
Built during the gold rush in 1898, The Pit weathered repeated challenges from permafrost thaw, as it witnessed over a century of Dawson's countless colourful chapters, earning its reputation as Dawson's shared living room, informal post office and obligatory gathering place. My mind floods with memories soaked in the cheeky artwork of Halin de Repentigny, and I still hear the echoes of music of all brands, festive seasonal celebrations and the quiet murmur of chatting locals.
An era has ended. I bid farewell to The Pit and give a fond nostalgic embrace to all in Dawson City.