Guelph man charged after $1-million fire at Islamic centre

A 38-year-old Guelph man has been charged with arson after a Sunday fire destroyed the interior of the Al-Fatema Islamic Centre on Stevenson Street South, police said. Damage to the place of worship is estimated at $1 million.

Emergency services were called to the centre just after 10 a.m., according to Guelph police. A witness had reported seeing flames and thick smoke coming through the roof of the building. Police said the interior was completely destroyed.

The building’s owner arrived at the scene and told officers that security cameras had captured a man inside earlier that morning. According to police, the owner said the building was supposed to have been vacant at the time.

Charges and investigation

Police said a man was located and arrested at about 1:30 p.m. The 38-year-old Guelph man is charged with arson and three counts of breaching probation orders. He is known to the building’s owners, police said.

The man was held for a bail hearing on Monday, following his arrest on Sunday afternoon.

The Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office was expected to attend the scene Monday to investigate further, police said. Police said the fire is not believed to be hate-motivated. The occurrence number is GU26077195.