Youth charged with arson in church fire

On July 9, 2021 at approximately 9:45 p.m., Bonnyville RCMP along with Kehewin and Bonnyville fire services responded to a report of a fire at an abandoned church (Our Lady of Mercy) on the Kehewin Cree Nation.

The building was slated to be demolished as it had been vacant for many years. Through investigation police learned the fire was deliberately set. No one was injured.

Bonnyville RCMP have arrested and charged a youth with arson in relation to this incident. The youth has been released from custody and is set to appear in Bonnyville Provincial Youth Court on Sept. 21, 2021.

The name of the youth will not be released in accordance to the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Aftermath of church fire. Credit: Arthur C. Green Lakeland Connect

Aftermath Our Lady of Mercy church fire. Credit: Arthur C. Green Lakeland Connect