Community rallies behind Lanark Village resident after devastating fire destroys historic home
A devastating fire that destroyed a historic Lanark Village home over the weekend has sparked an outpouring of support for its owner, as friends and neighbours rally to help a man they say has spent years opening his home – and his heart – to others.
A GoFundMe campaign launched in the wake of Saturday’s fire has already drawn donations and messages of encouragement for Ryan, whose Hillier Street home along the Clyde River was destroyed in the weekend’s blaze. While the loss of the historic house is personally tragic, Ryan’s sister Tanya Evoy says it is the role the home played in the greater community that has been hardest to lose.
“Anyone who knows him understands that belongings are not important to him, although he has lost everything,” Evoy stated. “The biggest loss to him right now is that he cannot host others who need a place to go for a great conversation and support.”
As previously reported, firefighters were called to the residence shortly after 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026 where crews encountered a working structure fire with flames visible from the rear of the building. Multiple hose lines were deployed to attack the blaze while firefighters worked to protect neighbouring properties from the intense heat.
Fire crews from Drummond/North Elmsley Tay Valley, Carleton Place, Mississippi Mills, Perth and Smiths Falls assisted in the efforts and remained on scene into the early hours of Sunday morning/
Fire Chief Stephen Rothwell said firefighters successfully prevented the fire from spreading to nearby buildings. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Crews battle a fire at a historic home in Lanark Village on July 4. – Hollie Pratt-Campbell/Lanarkist
The home itself was a well-known landmark in Lanark Village and reflected the community’s early industrial history as it is believed to date back to the mid-to-late 1800s.
Despite the life-changing loss, Ryan’s family says his immediate needs have been met.
According to the fundraiser, he has secured temporary accommodations and has home insurance, though the full extent of the loss will not be known until investigators complete their work.
Evoy clarified that the fundraiser was created not because Ryan asked for help, but because those who love him anticipated that many people would want to give back.
“This fundraising page has been created because I know people will want to help him, as he has helped so many others,” Evoy wrote. “Please do not feel obligated to give.”
The vision of rebuilding a place where neighbours can gather has become the primary focus of the fundraising effort.
“Many have asked how to help, so Ryan said that if anyone wants to give a very small amount, he will eventually be recreating a gathering space to again open it up and share with others in the community,” explained Evoy. “He appreciates all of the well-wishes, messages and thoughts filled with kindness.”