Halifax Hotel’s Closure Marks A Pause, Not An End

The temporary closure of Halifax Hotel marks the latest chapter in the community’s long recovery following February’s devastating events. Owners Joe Mikuletic and Luke Penning made the difficult decision to shut the doors after battling months of water ingress, structural damage, and electrical failures. With water having seeped in from the roof and compromised key infrastructure, the building was no longer safe nor financially viable to operate.

Many patrons were confused by the delayed closure, but the reality is simple: the bar alone couldn’t sustain operations. Without revenue from the hotel’s other facilities, costs quickly outpaced income. Like countless other local businesses, the owners are navigating a complex process involving insurance claims and construction assessments.

Despite the setback, this isn’t the end for Halifax Hotel. The team is actively planning repairs, aiming to reopen in the very near future. There’s even talk of improvements and upgrades to better serve the community.

"We're getting an opportunity to come back strong. To come back bigger and stronger and to open the doors again."
— Joe Mikuletic and Luke Penning

That message of resilience speaks volumes. Mikuletic and Penning aren’t just rebuilding a business—they’re preserving a local landmark and planning for its future. They’ve extended heartfelt thanks to the community for ongoing support and are determined to return better than before. Halifax Hotel may be closed for now, but its story is far from over.