Christie Lake Conservation Area closed due to arson investigation, over $4M in damages

Hamilton police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the people responsible for an arson at Christie Lake Conservation Area.

On Wednesday at around 7 a.m., police and fire crews responded to a structure fire at Christie Lake Conservation Area, located at 1002 Highway 5 in Flamborough.

Investigators say the fire had been deliberately set. The Beach Pavilion and Lakeside Pavilion structures sustained extensive damage. They add that crews reported seeing clear signs that there had been an attempt to set the Marine Pavilion on fire.

Officials say current damage to the structures is estimated to be in the $4 million to $5 million range.

Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire. The Ontario Fire Marshal was consulted and will not be attending the scene.

Staff at the Hamilton Conservation Authority are reaching out to all individuals and groups whose upcoming bookings are impacted by the facility and area damage.

Anyone with information that may assist with this investigation is asked to contact Acting Det. Const. Julia Bergsma at 905-546-8963 or cid30@hamiltonpolice.ca.

For those who wish to provide information anonymously, Crime Stoppers can be contacted at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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