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CLOSER LOOK: Arson suspect arrested for huge fire at historic Ontario building

In this new feature, Village Media journalists dig into an important story making headlines around the province. On tonight's episode: The police investigation into a massive fire in downtown Orillia

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dogged reporters and editors. 

Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore a compelling story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode: A suspicious fire rips through a landmark Ontario building.

The first 911 call came in Tuesday at 7:23 a.m., dispatching firefighters to the corner of Peter and Mississaga streets in downtown Orillia. Before long, the entire building was engulfed in flames — a "total loss."

SEE: Landmark blaze was a battle against fire and ice

The charred structure is now a crime scene, according to the OPP. On Thursday afternoon, shortly after this interview was recorded, police announced the arrest of a 35-year-old Brampton man in connection with the blaze.

BREAKING: Brampton man charged with arson after fire destroyed downtown building

Joining us for today's episode is Greg McGrath-Goudie, part of the OrilliaMatters team of local journalists who have been covering every angle of this breaking story. You can read some of their latest coverage HERE, HERE and HERE

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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