GUELPH – A Guelph man is facing arson charges following a fire that caused significant damage to a place of worship over the weekend.
Emergency crews were called to the Al-Fatema Islamic Centre on Stevenson Street South just after 10 am Sunday morning, after a witness reported seeing flames and thick smoke coming through the roof.
“The interior of the building was completely destroyed,” police said in a news release, noting the damage was estimated at $1 million.
Investigators say the building’s owner arrived at the scene and reported that security cameras had captured a man inside the building earlier that morning, when it was supposed to be vacant.
A suspect was located and arrested around 1:30 pm Sunday.
A 38-year-old Guelph man has been charged with arson and three counts of breaching probation orders. He was held in custody for a bail hearing Monday.
Police say the accused is known to the building’s owners.
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office is expected to attend the scene to continue investigating. Police say the fire is not believed to be hate-motivated.
