The City of Toronto has issued unsafe building orders for the well-known strip club Zanzibar and two adjoining properties following a significant fire that occurred early on Sunday morning. The fire prompted a response from firefighters who received reports of heavy smoke in the area, and upon arrival around 6 a.m., encountered heavy flames from the upper levels of the building located at 359 Yonge St.
A building inspector attended Zanzibar hours after the fire and noted that the fire-related damage created hazardous conditions that could jeopardize the health or safety of both individuals within the building and those outside it. The orders required the owner of Zanzibar to engage a professional engineer after Toronto Fire Services investigators complete their evidence gathering. This engineer will assess the structural stability of the building and evaluate the potential for further collapse that could result from the fire and firefighting activities.
The city’s document also mandated that access to the property be blocked off and that the engineer supervise any entry until the property is deemed safe. Fencing was visible in front of the building when CityNews visited the site on Monday, reinforcing the unsafe status designated by the City of Toronto. Additionally, similar requests for safety assessments were made concerning the neighboring properties affected by the fire.
During a press briefing, Fire Chief Jim Jessop reported the damage was substantial, noting that part of the roof had collapsed. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported since no one was inside at the time of the fire. However, both Zanzibar and the two adjoining structures sustained smoke and water damage from the firefighting efforts. While the investigation into the cause of the fire is still in the early stages, Jessop indicated that there were no immediate signs suggesting the blaze was suspicious.
Allen Cooper, the owner of Zanzibar, expressed devastation over the incident. He emphasized the establishment's role as a venue for entertainment and relaxation, stating, “People come there for entertainment and to relieve their worries.” Despite the fire’s destruction, Cooper remained optimistic and vowed to reopen Zanzibar stronger, bigger, and better. He reflected on the establishment's rich history, having been opened in 1949 as a tavern and later evolving into a well-known adult entertainment venue with theatrical features during the 1970s and 1980s.
Beyond its regular operations, Zanzibar served as a community hub during the pandemic, hosting a low-barrier vaccine clinic for sex workers and vulnerable individuals in 2021, further emphasizing its significance within the industry. Cooper described the business as essential, stating, “The business evolved over time. It’s adult dancing.” As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the future of Zanzibar hangs in the balance, depending on safety assessments and rebuilding efforts moving forward.
