‘Strong tip’ still needed

A year and a half after fire destroyed the historic Westport Academy, police are hoping a ‘strong tip’ will finally provide enough evidence to lay charges of arson.

The building had no electrical power or heat and the cause of the fire was quickly attributed to arson.

Const. Nicholas Bernier of the Digby RCMP detachment says the case file remains open because of the emotional attachment of the Brier Island community to the former school. Had it been an ordinary building, there might be less incentive to maintain an active file after 18 months, he said.

The Academy’s destruction Dec. 10, 2005, shook the small community, which soon pledged a $3,000 reward for information about who started the blaze. Since then the reward has climbed to $7,200 and reward posters are still displayed in the village.

Police have a good idea who was responsible, said Bernier, but so far lack sufficient evidence to lay charges. A major crimes team of four or five officers from Yarmouth was in Westport soon after the fire and was able to come up with some answers.

“We have excellent leads on a subject, but not enough evidence. We’re waiting for the last strong tip,” Bernier said. “Our hope is that somebody will say, ‘It’s been long enough, maybe I’ll come forward’.”

RCMP have so far received few tips or information regarding the fire, and many of those received by Crime Stoppers proved to be not much more than rumours. However, Bernier emphasizes that Crime Stoppers will provide an award of up to $2,000 and provide anonymity to anyone who provides a tip that police can corroborate.

The $7,200 reward for evidence leading to conviction is available for anyone willing to testify, he added.

The RCMP detachment can be reached at 245-2579, while Crime Stoppers maintains a toll-free number, 1-800-222-8477.

jdemings@digbycourier.ca