Fire Destroys Historic St. Thomas Building, Sparks Bail Reform Debate

Residents and business owners in St. Thomas, Ont., say they are heartbroken after a historic building in their downtown area was destroyed by an alleged arson over the weekend.

On Monday, police arrested Joseph Penfound, 44, labeling him a “prolific offender,” and charged him with arson, failure to comply with a probation order, and possession of a Schedule 1 substance. This incident has renewed calls from officials for bail reform targeting repeat offenders.

“It’s absolutely devastating. Small businesses are being affected and we’re just really grateful that nobody was hurt. It’s just a terrible tragedy, so it was really rough to see,” said Shae-Lynn Stanford, who works at Purely Wicked, a boutique located across the street from the fire site.

“It’s just tragic that there seems to be so many things like this happening in town and it does affect all of us deeply.”

More than 20 firefighters responded to 616 Talbot St. just after 4 a. m. ET on Sunday and fought the blaze for several hours, leading to road closures and shutting down nearby businesses. The building was undergoing renovations for housing and retail space but is now reduced to rubble, with damages estimated over $1 million.

The vacant building dating back to 1881 was being renovated for housing and a retail space but has now been reduced debris. Officials estimate damage from the fire exceeds $1 million. (Isha Bhargava/CBC)

Police reported that Penfound is well known among them and currently faces 13 charges dating back to mid-2024. He was also on probation for 14 criminal offenses from 2021.

Chris Cottrell works at a sports bar across the street and witnessed the fire firsthand. He believes this alleged act was extremely reckless and could have had deadly consequences.

“There was so much smoke you couldn’t even see the street; it was that thick,” he said. “Nobody wants to see a building burn down. It’s one thing for a fire to happen; it’s another for it to be set on purpose, and it could’ve been a lot worse than what it was.”

Arson put people’s lives at risk, says police chief

St. Thomas Police Chief Marc Roskamp expressed his frustration with the criminal justice system regarding how repeat offenders threaten community safety.

“This could have been devastating for our community with the loss of life. This is a serious crime-just as serious as those who choose weapons. In this case, the weapon was fire,” Roskamp stated. “This individual should be looked at very carefully by the courts to be held in custody because this was a crime that could have taken lives.”

The historic building was next to apartments owned by Indwell, the non-profit housing organization which said all staff and residents were unharmed and evacuated immediately. (Isha Bhargava/CBC)

Last month, Ontario’s Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act became law; it includes specialized terms related to bail aimed at improving forfeiture collection of bail money.

The province has also contacted federal public safety minister Gary Anandasangaree asking for reforms such as: implementing a three-strike rule requiring pre-trial detention for repeat offenders; limiting conditional sentences; and removing bail eligibility for serious crimes.

Roskamp feels strongly that Penfound shouldn’t have been out on bail supports Ontario’s efforts toward reforming these laws.

“There’s a history here of criminal behavior-chronic criminality-and that’s where we believe individuals like this need tougher bail laws applied against them,” he explained.

An alleged arson over the weekend in St. Thomas has prompted concern from St. Thomas Police Chief Marc Roskamp about how repeat offenders jeopardize community safety.
The building dating back to 1881 stood next door to apartments owned by Indwell-the non-profit housing organization-which reported that all staff members and residents were safe during evacuation procedures made out of an abundance of caution due some smoke damage but will return home shortly.
The area’s Conservative MP Andrew Lawton noted federal Criminal Code policies regarding bail prevent both police officers’ efforts as well as judges’ ability when dealing with repeat offenders.
Conservative MP Andrew Lawton states he wants the Liberal government to repeal Bill C-5 and implement mandatory minimum sentences for repeated offenses while eliminating “principle of restraint” within Bill C-75 concerning the current bail system.(Isha Bhargava/CBC)

Lawton urges Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government address issues surrounding repealing Bill C-5 which removes mandatory minimum penalties across fourteen offenses within Canadian law along with abolishing provisions requiring judges prioritize releasing accused persons earlier than necessary under restrictions implemented through Bill C-75.

“It isn’t just about one structure-it’s about people investing their savings into projects meant better living conditions while directly impacting those who live or work locally,” mentioned Lawton after being recently appointed onto House Commons justice committee responsibilities.

“The problems facing victims increase each day because these ineffective federal statutes undermine essential community needs,” concluded Lawton urging judges unencumbered authority over hazardous federal legislation prioritizing criminals’ rights above victims’ welfare.”

Source link