Investigators say fires were deliberately set at the Christie Lake Conservation Area on Wednesday, destroying two pavilions on the property. Hamilton Police and the Hamilton Fire Department were called to Highway 5 in Flamborough around 7 a.m. They quickly determined it was arson. Police said the damage to the pavilions, which they described as “extensive,” was estimated at $1 million. The incident was reported to the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office, who decided not to attend the scene. The YMCA operates Camp Chippewa at the Christie Lake Conservation Area and said, in message posted to their website, that everyone was safe. Buses were brought in to take campers and staff to YMCA branches in Hamilton, Waterdown, Burlington and Brantford. “YMCA staff will remain with campers throughout the relocation and pick-up process,” the post said, adding that an update will be shared with parents about programming for the rest of the summer. Anyone with information that can help investigators is asked to contact Acting Det. Const. Julia Bergsma at 905-546-8963 or by email at cid30@hamiltonpolice.ca.
