A picture taken at the time of the fire in April, 2022. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Guilty plea entered in Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre arson case

Jun 2, 2023 | 11:26 AM

Just over 14 months after the Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre burned to the ground in Prince Albert, a guilty plea to arson has been entered.

Gina Pearl Beatty’s fate will be determined by a sentencing circle on July 7th.

This will consist of a group of community members, representing both Beatty and the victim which in this case was the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC).

The case was recently spoken to Friday morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court. Outside the building, Beatty’s lawyer Gordon Kirkby explained a sentencing circle was recommended because it is a more culturally sensitive way of bringing home the consequences of the action.

“It is simply hearing people speak, hearing the people that have been hurt speak. It’s a better way of bringing home accountability,” he said.

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On the morning of April 15, 2022, the Prince Albert Fire Department was called to the Senator Allen Bird building, and at least two trucks were observed hosing water on the roof on the south side of the building. Despite all efforts, the building was a total loss.

Not guilty pleas were entered last November, and Kirkby commented on the change in plea.

“This is something that happens all the time … matter of course,” he said.

Beatty’s mother was also present in court Friday but declined comment. She has previously explained her daughter had been absolutely and utterly ‘out of it’ at the time of her arrest, adding her daughter had completely spiralled out of control and meth and fentanyl were found in her bloodstream.

In addition to the arson, Beatty was also charged with assault which stemmed from a separate event that happened the same morning.

The Crown has indicated plans to withdraw that charge at the July sentencing hearing.

What’s next for the building?

The day prior to the fire, Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) had distributed 1,500 Easter hampers for families in need.

In addition to hosting events for the PAGC such as assemblies, round dances, and the fine arts festival, the building was also used by local community clubs.

While there are no concrete plans at this time to re-build, the PAGC recently reached out to the community for input through a survey.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell