4 people charged with arson in Chief Chiniki Restaurant fire

Cochrane RCMP have arrested four people in connection to a fire in August that burned the Chief Chiniki Restaurant west of Calgary to the ground, causing an estimated $1.1 million in damages.

The restaurant was a popular destination for local residents living on the Morley reserve, as well as travellers on the Trans-Canada Highway.   

A 20-year-old man is expected to appear in a Cochrane courtroom Friday.

The remaining accused — two 16-year-old males and one 13-year-old boy — are scheduled to appear in court next week.  

RCMP say the identity of the adult male will not be released as it may lead to the identity of the three youths involved.  

Shirley Ketterer, an economic development officer with the Chiniki band — one of the three bands that make up Stoney Nakoda Nation, said back in August that the fire had cost the community more than just a business.  

"The history of the building is that it was put here to bring the two worlds together, a place of friendship and we won't have that place anymore," she said at the time.  

Ketterer said the building was insured and the band will look at rebuilding.