The near–complete 11-storey apartment building on 2nd Avenue in Mission had a gas line tampered with, two small fires set and several floors flooded last weekend.
According to a news release from Mission RCMP, first responders were notified of a gas leak in the area at roughly 2 p.m. on Sunday (Sept. 8).
Mission Fire Rescue Service found a gas line that had been tampered with at the construction site on 33230 2nd Avenue and police discovered two small fires had also been set inside the building after a search.
Officers learned that multiple faucets had been turned on – flooding several floors of the building – and the thermostats and ovens in several units were turned all the way up.
RCMP say a police dog was brought in to search the building, but no one was found inside.
The 11-storey building was developed to transfer 92 new affordable housing units into a non-profit's hands.
However, a funding application to change possession of the project to More Than A Roof Housing Society through the Community Housing Fund was declined by BC Housing earlier this year.
Since then, talks have been ongoing with More Than A Roof, the developer, and the City of Mission to find alternative funding to move the project forward, according to a statement from BC Housing in June.
Another gas leak was reported in the alleyway north of 1st Avenue, between Grand Street and James Street about two hours later where multiple fittings were removed from a gas meter serving one of the businesses.
Police say no suspects were located in the area.
“No motive for these incidents of mischief and arson have been identified. Investigators are still in the process of canvassing for any other CCTV footage in the area,” Mission RCMP said.
Those with information are urged to contact Mission RCMP.
“If you see someone tampering with a gas meter, call 911. If you smell rotten eggs or a sulphurous odour, immediately go outside and call 911 or Fortis BC,” the detachment said.
