The Page & Whisker is looking for a new home after their AC unit started smoking on Tuesday prompting a call to the fire department

By Tiffany Goodwein

The Page & Whisker is looking for a new home

Jun 1, 2021 | 4:37 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB-A beloved bookstore that helps cats find forever homes, is now looking for a new place themselves after their air conditioner went up in smoke Tuesday afternoon.

Multiple fire crews responded to the business just after 1p.m.

The Medicine Hat Fire Service said there was no fire but one of the motors in the air conditioning unit failed which triggered the smoke.

Store founder Sam Sandidge says he has had enough. He has been embroiled in a long-standing dispute with his landlord about the air conditioning and the condition of the building, and he wants out.

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

1h ago

POSTAL STRIKE

Donations to Medicine Hat non-profits drop over Canada Post strike

1h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

9h ago

“Our store is unique in that we have live animals in it, and because of the nature of the air conditioner not working properly, and seemingly randomly turning on it poses a greater risk,” he said.

“ I refuse to have aloss of life in my building. I refuse to put my staff, my customers, or the cats that live here for temporary periods, I don’t want to put those people or cats at risk,” he added.

CHAT News reached out to the landlord of the property, and he was unwilling to provide comment. He instead referred us to his son who was unable to provide comment by deadline.

Meantime, the Page & Whisker has set up a GoFundMe page to help fund their move.

The goal is to raise $15,000.