(L-R) Mom's Kitchen and Bowden Hotel (Google Maps). 

By Alessia Proietti

RCMP update

New Year’s Day fire at Bowden Hotel deemed suspicious

Jul 5, 2022 | 4:32 PM

A Fire Investigator’s report has recently deemed a fire at an abandoned hotel in Bowden on New Year’s Day as suspicious.

Olds RCMP say they are still investigating the fire which occurred at the Bowden Hotel (corner of Highway 2A and 20th Ave.) on Jan. 1, 2022, just after midnight.

Corporal Gina Slaney, Media Relations Officer for the Alberta RCMP Southern Alberta District, confirmed no suspects have been identified as of yet, nor has a specific cause of the fire been determined.

Police say they are seeking public assistance in this matter and are asking for anyone to come forward if they were in the area and have information. They are also looking for people who may have surveillance to check for suspicious activity between 11 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2021 and 12:30 a.m., on Jan. 1, 2022.

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Slaney says police cannot confirm as of yet if the incident is related to another fire that took place a few weeks later on Jan. 27, at a neighbouring abandoned structure.

Formerly known as “Mom’s Kitchen”, the building is located on 20 Ave., detached but next to the Bowden Hotel. An investigation revealed the structure was intentionally set on fire and damage was limited to the door.

READ MORE: Olds RCMP investigate arson

Slaney says although coincidental and proximal to one another, no evidence confirms they are linked, but both are deemed suspicious.

To share information on the Bowden Hotel fire on Jan. 1, contact Olds RCMP at 403-556-3324 or local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.