Alberta RCMP officers have charged a 40-year-old with arson after a Lake Louise staff housing complex was destroyed by fire.
On July 3 at approximately 12 p.m., Lake Louise RCMP, along with local fire departments, responded to a fire at the Charleston Residence.
Along with the call that the residence was on fire, Lake Louise RCMP also received a report that there was a male on the roof of the building who appeared to be in distress.
“Upon arrival, officers located a male on the roof and he was in possession of a weapon,” according to Cpl Gina Slaney of the Southern Alberta District RCMP. “Officers deescalated the situation and convinced the male to come down a ladder.”
However, the male slipped and fell to the ground. The accident resulted in non life-threatening injuries, according to RCMP. He was taken to a Calgary hospital for treatment.
As a result of an investigation by the Souther Alberta District General Investigation Section (GIS), Timothy Alexander Peterson, a resident of Lake Louise, was arrested.
Peterson is charged with arson—disregard for human life; and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. He has been remanded into custody and will appear in court on July 7.
As a result of the fire, the hotel was evacuated. RCMP estimate that approximately 160 people have been displaced.
The Charleston Residence is a three story, 100,000 sq-foot structure—one of the largest log buildings in North America—which houses nearly 400 staff members of Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Courtesy Charleston Residence (Official) // Facebook
The Lake Louise group is asking its guests for patience as they navigate the situation.
“We are shocked and devastated by today’s fire that destroyed our Charleson Residence. In this challenging time, we are united as a community, working to support our staff members who have lost their homes,” a statement on social media read.
The Summer Gondola at Lake Louise is closed July 4 and 5 while staff and management adjust to the situation.
A GoFundMe has been created to assist victims of the fire. Donations can be made at https://gofund.me/2e06e81e
Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com
