Historic Orillia building to be demolished after destructive fire

A century-old building is reduced to rubble following a destructive fire last month that displaced several businesses.

A historic building in downtown Orillia destroyed by fire last month will be reduced to rubble this week with demolition expected to be completed.

Peter Street South remains closed to the public as crews work to bring down what’s left of the more-than-a-century-old building that housed several businesses. The property has since been released back to the owner.

“It was quite emotionally upsetting to see this historic landmark being dismantled piece by piece,” said building owner Jeff Pitcher.

Damage to the building was estimated at $4 million.

On Jan. 21, police say an intentionally set fire spread through the building at 7 Peter Street South.

Firefighters battled the flames in frigid temperatures, icy conditions and howling winds.

They remained at the scene, rotating crews, for several days putting out hotspots and monitoring the area.

No injuries were reported, and officials say no one was inside the building when the fire started.

On Jan. 22, police arrested Brandon Costa and charged him with arson and disregard for human life. The 35-year-old man from Brampton was granted bail hours later. Five days later, he was arrested a second time for allegedly breaching the conditions of his bail by being in possession of a lighter.

Costa remains in custody at Central North Correctional Centre in Penetanguishene since his Friday arrest. He appeared in virtual court on Monday, and is scheduled to make another court appearance Wednesday.

The allegations against the accused have not been tested in court.

Multiple businesses were directly impacted by the fire, including Three Birds Salon, Dr. Comics, Crafted Spaces and Kelly’s Clothing.

“A lot of them are figuring out where they want to be, where they want to go, what they want to do with their businesses,” Pitcher said.

Yvette-Michelle Cottle Darby owned a sewing shop that burned down in the fire. “I’ve lost about $20,000 worth of materials and equipment, and I’m still counting.”

Several other businesses have been forced to close permanently.

The City says the area will remain closed “to ensure public safety. The chief building official will continue to assess the site as work continues and will determine when the street can be reopened.”

In the meantime, business owners impacted by the devastating fire are looking to move forward. The owner of Crafted Spaces said she is seeking to relocate the business and would have to conduct classes out of her home, and the owner of Three Birds Salon told CTV News they have plans to relocate to 37 West Street South.

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With files from CTV’s Mike Arsalides and Mike Lang