Hume hotel guest causes sprinkler chaos, temporarily closing the Library Lounge

The owner of Nelson’s historic Hume hotel says the community has been overwhelmingly supportive after the incident last weekend that severely damaged the building.  

Last Saturday, a hotel guest, whom Martin described as a ‘late-night reveller,’ tampered with a sprinkler head in one of the hotel’s premium suites. 

Martin said the individual alleged that the sprinkler was leaking, so he tried to ‘fix it’ but ended up tearing it off the roof. 

It resulted in a downpour of water flooding through the ceiling for about 45 minutes. 

“A very large volume of water came out of that one sprinkler head and caused massive flooding in adjacent rooms down to another suite called the Barrister Suite below, down into the Library Lounge, Benwell, and Spirit Bar.” 

The damage forced Martin to close the Library Lounge indefinitely. He says he hopes the culprit is held responsible for actions that caused more than just physical damage. 

“I haven’t personally done anything about the individual responsible; the insurance company will be working on that. But there needs to be some sort of accountability for somebody that does something so stupid and wrong. It has had such a massive ripple effect that affects so many people negatively.” 

The incident has left eight staff members unemployed, and the timing couldn’t be worse added Martin, with the holidays right around the corner. 

“My main concern is for our staff who are now not working. Plus, the Library Lounge truly shines during Christmas time. It’s our busiest time of year and a tradition for lots of people in the community that’s now been taken away. It’s completely disheartening.” 

As far as the extent of the damage, Martin says it’s still unknown. He explained how the building’s age posed a concern about asbestos in the drywall joints, but fortunately, the test came back negative. 

An insurance adjuster will be assessing the site this week. Martin hopes to have more answers for his staff and the community on how long repairs will take, but regardless, he’s confident that with the support from community, business will resume as usual soon. 

“We’ve been receiving overwhelming love and support from everyone in the community and really appreciate and feel the love. The words and support mean a lot. We’re not looking for handouts in any way, but the gestures to us and our staff are immeasurable. 

“I know that they’re very grateful. If anybody wants to help, we ask you to support the food bank, support other community initiatives, because we’re going to be okay here at the Historic Hume Hotel.” 

Storrm Lennie
Storrm Lennie
Storrm began her journalism career in the Kootenays, joining Vista Radio in 2022. Originally from Red Deer, Alta., she now calls Nelson home and brings her passion for politics and community to her reporting.

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

ArtWalk shines in 2025

The Nelson & District Arts Council is thrilled with how well-attended and magical ArtWalk 2025 has been so far.

Province funds HealthIM expansion in Nelson to aid people in crisis

B.C.’s solicitor general was in Nelson on Friday to announce the launch of a digital public safety tool aimed at improving officer response to people in crisis.

Arrest made in Crescent Valley break-in

A woman whom police believe to be connected to a break-in this week was picked up in Nakusp.

School officials say B.C.’s new safety policies should come with provincial funding

B.C. school officials say the province’s move to require AEDs and naloxone kits in all public schools is a positive step, but some are concerned about a lack of provincial funding to support the requirements. 

Kaslo Turns 132

To celebrate Kaslo's 132nd birthday, Summit Radio's Afternoons with Andrea featured local historian Greg Nesteroff to share some interesting facts about Kaslo! View the full interview here. 
- Advertisement -