Closer Look
In this new nightly feature, Village Media journalists take a deeper dive into important stories making headlines around the province
Every day, our local journalists tackle the stories that matter most: the ones that impact your day-to-day life.
In communities across the province — as well at Queen’s Park and on Parliament Hill — our on-the-ground reporters and editors chase down the answers you need to know.
In this new nightly segment — ‘Closer Look’ — Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering.
These interviews are designed to help you better understand how our reporters gather the information that lands in your local news feed.
Closer Look
CLOSER LOOK: Building owner has a message for homeless man who ignited huge fire
Tonight on 'Closer Look': The owner of a landmark Orillia building ravaged by a massive blaze showed empathy for the convicted arsonist in court — 'Let this be the fire that ignites change for you'.
In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.
This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.
On tonight's episode: Compassion for a convicted arsonist.
In January, a massive fire ripped through a landmark building in downtown Orillia, causing $6 million in damage and displacing numerous tenants.
SEE: Aerial photos capture devastation of downtown fire
Brandon Costa, a 35-year-old homeless man, pleaded guilty this week to arson.
According to a joint submission of the facts presented in court, Costa was captured on camera lighting a fire in a vestibule of the building in order to stay warm. Within minutes, the blaze was out of control.
Costa is expected to be sentenced on May 13. In the meantime, the owner of the now-demolished building says he hopes Costa's conviction will be a turning point in his life.
“Let this be the fire that ignites change for you,” Dr. Jeffrey Pitcher wrote in his victim impact statement, which was read aloud in court.
BarrieToday court reporter Peter Robinson covered the guilty plea and joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his latest coverage HERE.
Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. You can find all our previous segments HERE.
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