))
CLOSER LOOK: Building owner has a message for homeless man who ignited huge fire
Manage episode 481302716 series 3620459
Content provided by Village Media Inc.. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Village Media Inc. or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
Tonight on 'Closer Look': The owner of a landmark Orillia building ravaged by a massive blaze showed empathy for the convicted arsonist in court — 'Let this be the fire that ignites change for you'.
In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.
This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.
On tonight's episode: Compassion for a convicted arsonist.
In January, a massive fire ripped through a landmark building in downtown Orillia, causing $6 million in damage and displacing numerous tenants.
SEE: Aerial photos capture devastation of downtown fire
Brandon Costa, a 35-year-old homeless man, pleaded guilty this week to arson.
According to a joint submission of the facts presented in court, Costa was captured on camera lighting a fire in a vestibule of the building in order to stay warm. Within minutes, the blaze was out of control.
Costa is expected to be sentenced on May 13. In the meantime, the owner of the now-demolished building says he hopes Costa's conviction will be a turning point in his life.
“Let this be the fire that ignites change for you,” Dr. Jeffrey Pitcher wrote in his victim impact statement, which was read aloud in court.
BarrieToday court reporter Peter Robinson covered the guilty plea and joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his latest coverage HERE.
Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. You can find all our previous segments HERE.
Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
91 episodes
Share
