The Cochrane RCMP are now treating the investigation into the McDougall Church fire as arson after receiving new information from MD of Big Horn investigators.

RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff says the RCMP are now going full speed ahead and investigating the fire as arson. While they are reluctant to release further details, their investigation had never truly wound up and they have been pursuing leads.

"Even with the original accidential determination there were some leads that we were following up with anyway," says Cpl. Savinkoff. "So, we had the investigation ongoing even during this time frame."

Exshaw fire chief Rick Lyster said a joint effort by four fire investigators had determined a few weeks ago that the fire was in fact arson.

"In a combined effort we looked at the remains there, including using a canine, and it's not accidental, we're calling it arson now."

McDougall Stoney Mission Society president Ron Moore had not been informed of the decision by the RCMP to reopen the case when contacted, but isn't surprised.

"It just didn't seem logical that it was an accident when there is no source of ignition in the building," says Moore. "I didn't know why they had closed the case, but if they have reopened it, it may have been because of an error or misinformation."

Moore is pleased and, like many others, would like to see the the case solved.

"I don't know if there is any recourse, whether they find anything or not, but it would be nice to know what happened."

Moore says representatives of Alberta Heritage Resources were doing their own investigation at the historic site on June 22 and wonders if that had impact on the decision.

In a new release, Inspector Lauren Weare, in charge of the Cochrane detachment, said the investigation will be exhaustive.

"The McDougall Church was a significant historical heritage site and its loss has saddened both local and non-locals alike," says Weare. "Multiple investigators will focus on conducting an exhaustive investigation in an effort to identify the person or persons responsible."

Anyone with any information that could help with the investigation can contact the Cochrane RCMP detachment at 403-851-8000. If you want to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers by phoning 1-800-222-8477 or submit tips at www.tipsubmit.com.