Calgary police charged man with arson related to Bridgette Bar, Salt & Brick and Greta Bar fires

A Calgary man faces arson charges related to two recent fires which damaged three Beltline restaurants. 

On Nov. 4, firefighters put out a blaze that started at about 1:30 a.m. in the rear alley of Bridgette Bar, located in the 700 block of 10 Avenue S.W. The structure fire caused an estimated $300,000 in damage, but the restaurant has reopened. 

On Dec. 17, a fire started at 5 a.m. in the back alley entrance of a building at around 5 a.m., damaging Salt & Brick and Greta Bar.

Firefighters responded and contained the fire, but Charlie’s, a speakeasy in the back of Salt & Brick, sustained major damage.

“Police determined the two incidents were connected and the fires were intentionally set,” said CPS. “While the fires appear to be targeted, a motive remains unknown.”

Calgary resident Aldin Crowchild, 34, was arrested Saturday and charged with two counts of arson and two counts of breaching a probation order. 

Crowchild, who’s in custody, is set to make a court appearance on Jan. 8.