An early-morning arson attempt July 12 at the Morley Recreation Centre, located between the two public schools in the nearby Stoney Nakoda community, has rendered the building unusable with significant damages.
Two Morley residents — Tylen Tray Poucette, 18, and Conroy Kovin Poucette, 19 — have each been charged with two counts of arson; one count of breaking and entering with the intent to commit arson; and one count of unlawfully in a dwelling house.
The building was a popular community gathering spot for all three Nation bands — Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley — and was used regularly for community, cultural, school and political events.
The fire and smoke damages (total value is yet to be determined) was particularly significant in the west portion of the building (see photos); smoke and water damage is visible throughout the building.
Members of the Cochrane RCMP were dispatched to a complaint of a fire at the building around 1:30 a.m.; upon arrival, a significant portion of the building was on fire.
Exshaw Fire Services was able to stop the spread of the fire to other areas of the building and able to contain the blaze.
At around 2:30 a.m. RCMP and Morley Fire Services responded to a grass fire at the nearby Bearspaw Flood Relief camp. Morley Fire was able to contain the blaze before it spread.
RCMP believe that the same individuals intentionally set both fires; their investigation led to the swift arrest of the two Morley residents.
Both individuals will make their first court appearances Aug. 14 and 21.
A GlenEagles resident, 53-year-old Kelly Corbett, was arrested and charged for an ‘act of indecency’ and a ‘breach of probation’ July 7.
The charges relate to reports that she had taken her clothing off while heavily intoxicated and behaved in a lewd manner on her front lawn.
Neighbours of the GlenEagles resident have reported similar occurrences over the past year.
One concerned neighbour, Amanda Field, stated that ‘we will continue to report these matters to the RCMP because the families and children of our community deserve the right to enjoy our properties and be protected by the law’.
Corbett was convicted of ‘mischief and failure to comply with conditions of an undertaking’ Dec. 16, 2014 in relation to numerous incidents of similar behaviour last summer.
Field told the Eagle that she is concerned that Corbett continues to behave in such a manner, that her children and others in the area have witnessed the incidents and that she is disappointed that the justice system has not dealt with the offences more sternly.
