Emily Carr University closed until Oct. 15 because of possible arson fire

VANCOUVER – Classes at Emily Carr University in Vancouver are cancelled for another week because a suspected arson fire damaged some offices and art studios.

The university says in a statement that progress has been made in the cleanup, standing water has been removed, air quality is healthy and fire safety and security systems are fully functioning.

However, it says many of the classrooms and shops most impacted by the damage aren’t yet safe to use and some areas will be unavailable for some time until work is finished.

Police are investigating and have said the fire may have been deliberately set by a person who broke into the university early last Saturday, and the university says it is reviewing its security protocols after the incident.

It says classes missed this week will be rescheduled during the assessment period at the end of the semester in December.

The new building for the art and design university opened in 2017 in east Vancouver, away from its former Granville Island location.