Man, 35, charged after Orillia fire destroys historic building
Building housed several businesses and apartments, city's mayor says
A 35-year-old man has been charged with arson with disregard for human life after a fire burned down a historic building in Orillia on last week, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have said.
Officers responded to the fire on Jan. 21 on Peter Street S. near Missisaga Street E. just before 7:30 a.m.
The building was over 100 years old and housed several businesses and apartments, Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac said on Tuesday.
No injuries were reported, but the building is likely a total loss as the roof and second floor collapsed, according to Orillia Fire Chief Chris Ferry.
OPP received video footage from several community members earlier this week showing a "suspicious person… lighting a small fire nearby," Const. Sophie Gwin said on Wednesday.
Officers located a man who matched the description of the arson suspect on Wednesday, OPP said in a news release.
The accused, who is from Brampton, was held in custody pending a bail hearing. He was released on conditions.
On Thursday, police said the accused faces two additional charges of failure to comply with a release order.
Police were called to an address on Queen Street E. in Orillia on Tuesday for reports of an unwanted person, according to a news release.
When they arrived, they were told the person was no longer there, but they found the man shortly afterwards. Police said he had a lighter in his possession, despite being on conditions to not be in possession of any accelerant to start a fire.
The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Anyone who was in Orillia's downtown core between 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Jan. 21 is asked to contact OPP. Police are also looking for video footage from that time period.