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 Tuesday, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have said.
Officers responded to the fire 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.
Anyone who was in Orillia's downtown core between 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Tuesday is asked to contact OPP. Police are also looking for video footage from that time period.
Road closures remain in effect on Peter Street between Colborne Street and Coldwater Road, as well as on Mississaga Street E. between West Street and Matchedash Street.