Charges Laid
(COLLINGWOOD, ON) – Charges have been laid in connection to a suspicious fire that occurred in the early morning hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, at a commercial property located in the east end of Collingwood.
As previously reported, at approximately 3:08 a.m., the Collingwood and The Blue Mountains Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a request for assistance from the Collingwood Fire Department regarding an active fire at a business on Sandford Fleming Drive. Officers attended to assist with traffic control and road closures. The fire, which originated in a storage shed at the northeast corner of the property, caused an estimated $1,000,000 in damage.
Initially deemed non-suspicious, the incident was reclassified later that morning after fire officials reviewed surveillance footage that raised concerns about the origin of the fire. The Ontario Fire Marshal was notified, and the Collingwood OPP Crime Unit launched a comprehensive investigation.
As part of the investigative process, detectives conducted a detailed review of surveillance video from the area and consulted information available through the OPP’s records management and digital evidence management systems, which includes video footage from recently integrated body-worn camera recordings.
These efforts helped investigators identify an individual connected to the incident and develop grounds to seek an arrest warrant.
On the evening of July 16, 2025, members of the Barrie Police Service located and arrested the individual. Sierra WOWK, 34 years of age, has been charged with:
- Arson – damage to property, section 434.
The accused was held in custody by the Collingwood OPP pending a bail hearing on July 17, 2025.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Collingwood and The Blue Mountains OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com.
Residents and business owners are also reminded of the CAMSafe program, a voluntary security camera registry that assists police in identifying potential sources of video evidence. For more information or to register, visit www.camsafe.ca.
Sgt Wes Staddon
Collingwood & The Blue Mountains OPP
