Some fire damage is seen from the outside of one of the buildings. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

RCMP investigation

Investigation underway into suspicious fire, vandalism at supported housing project

Feb 1, 2021 | 5:03 PM

The Battlefords RCMP is asking for the public’s help following a report of a fire and vandalism at the supported housing project under construction on Kramer Place in North Battleford on the weekend.

Battlefords RCMP Staff Sgt. Jason Teniuk said the RCMP were called to the location at about 12:55 p.m. on Jan. 30.

“When members arrived on the scene, the fire department was already there,” he said.

He said firefighters was able to have the fire under control quickly.

“As a result of what they saw, they determined it was in fact suspicious, and likely an arson,” Teniuk said.

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The provincial fire investigator’s office is following up on the incident, along with members from the North Battleford fire department. The RCMP is awaiting the results of the fire investigation.

Teniuk said police noticed a number of windows were broken in some of the units at the site when they arrived. As well, some workers’ tools were reported stolen.

Teniuk said if anyone has any information about any suspect(s) who may have been involved in the incident they are asked to contact the RCMP.

(Angela Brown/ battlefordsNOW Staff)

The Canadian Mental Health Association Battlefords branch is one of the partners on the housing project under construction.

Executive director Jane Zielke de Montbrun is upset about the damages. She said every unit was breached in the incident.

“The whole property had been compromised,” she said.

As a result of the damages she is concerned there may be a delay in the completion date for the mental-health supported, independent living housing development.

The facility is expected to open this summer.

Zielke de Montbrun said the complex will play an important role in the community when it is finished. It will potentially have a connection to everyone in the community that wants to help someone who struggles with a mental health problem, she said.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW