UPDATED - Nov. 30, 10:49 a.m.
For the United Steelworkers and its members, there is closure in regards to the fire that destroyed its hall on Sept. 18, 2008.
On Nov. 27, one 13-year-old youth was sentenced to two years probation, according to Kevin Conley, Steelworkers Local 6500 treasurer. He was present at the courthouse when the youth was sentenced Friday by Justice John Keast.
“I was there to read our impact statement. We were looking for some punishment of course,” Conley said.
Alex Toffoli, defence lawyer for the youth, said the boy will be receiving rehabilitative treatment at the Bayfield Treatment Centre in southern Ontario, for a minimum of one year.
“It is a good place,” Toffoli said. He added the other youth will be sentenced later in December.
Northern Life attempted to contact the Crown's office for more specific information about the sentencing but was unable to get more information by press time.
Steelworkers officials were emotional about the fire.
“This was not just a fire that destroyed a building in the city. The Steelworkers Hall was a community centre. It was a landmark in the city,” Conley said.
“It was the first (Royal Canadian) Legion in the city. It was built in 1947.”
Conley said the union purchased the building in 1965.
“Maybe if these kids had seen the effects of what a fire can do, if they had visited a burn unit, then they would not have done this.”
Conley said the two youth found a gas can in a yard near the union hall and planned to set the gas ablaze after pouring it out on the ground.
“They wanted to have a little fire, I guess, and it got out of control.”
He said he heard in court that the burning gasoline ran downhill to the building, where the wooden basement caught fire and then spread into the walls of the building.
“This was such a tragedy. We lost all our history in the fire, but it is still in our minds,” said John Fera, president of Steelworkers Local 6500.
According to media reports, the youths both had troubled upbringings. One of the youths had been found abandoned at the age of three and had been through various foster homes since then, and the other came from a family where abuse was common.
“These young fellows had difficult lives,” Fera said. “I hope from now on there will be a positive outcome for both. I hope their futures are better than their pasts.”
He said his union local was moving on, and has purchased the old Loeb's grocery store location at 66 Brady St. to use for the new hall.
“The Brady Street location is now used for membership meetings. We have a food bank there and will have a used clothing swap site as well. On Dec. 5, we will have our children's Christmas party.”
