Barrie police have charged a person in connection with a fire downtown that forced the evacuation of 29 people from the upper level of the Simcoe Hotel.
Around 7:20 Monday morning, police and firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire at the Five Points intersection.
"Upon arrival at 31 Bayfield Street, it was confirmed that a garbage dumpster, which was located on the northeast side of the building, was on fire," police said in a news release on Tuesday.
Police allege the fire was deliberately set and a male was seen walking away from the area shortly before the fire was detected. A 30-year-old man of no fixed address was located a short distance away and arrested soon after the call was received.
The accused has been charged with arson - disregard for human life - and arson -damage to property.
He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear on Tuesday by video for a court appearance.
Deputy Fire Chief Carrie Clark told Barrie 360 damage is pegged at $500,000, as smoke did enter the lower level of the building that houses some offices, washrooms and a kitchen at McFinn's Traditional Irish Pub.
Clark said the residents who were evacuated are being housed at a local hotel under the care of the Canadian Red Cross.
