Building at public grounds in southwest N.S. damaged in suspicious fire

RCMP in southwest Nova Scotia are investigating a possible arson after a building in the community of Belliveaus Cove was partly destroyed by fire last week, but police say they don't believe it's linked to the fisheries dispute in the area or organized crime.

Police and firefighters were called around 3:55 a.m. Friday to a local outdoor gathering place that is owned by the area municipality, RCMP Cpl. Carlie McCann said Tuesday.

It is the second time in less than a month that a building at the site has been damaged by fire, and comes after a number of arsons and at least one shooting in the area earlier this year prompted Meteghan RCMP to double the number of officers deployed from the detachment.

Last month, provincial Fisheries Minister Kent Smith said organized crime has become involved in an illegal out-of-season lobster fishery that's become "entrenched" in the area, and that people are being threatened but are too afraid to speak out.

RCMP have said they do not believe the recent arsons, including a police vehicle that was torched in July, are related to fisheries, or motivated by drugs or money.

Firefighters were able to put out Friday's fire at the Belliveaus Cove public grounds, but the building was significantly damaged, police said. It appears the fire started at the back of the building, and police are examining whether it's connected to an Aug. 14 fire at the site.