by Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 05/97) - Gregory Paul Glacier, 19, has been charged with arson in the blaze that gutted the Quality Furniture building last week, causing $800,000 damage.

Glacier, who listed 203 Horton Avenue as his Yellowknife address, recently returned here from Spruce Grove, Alta.

Held at the Yellowknife Correctional Centre, he is scheduled to appear in court this morning for a show cause hearing, which will decided if Glacier will be released on bail or remain in custody.

Quality Furniture part-owner Mary Rocher said the loss, especially after more than 20 years of building the business, has shaken her.

"It will take many years to make up for the loss," she said.

She commended police for charging a suspect so soon after the fire. RCMP made the arrest Tuesday, a week after the blaze.

As well as the arson, police charged Glacier with four counts of break, enter and theft -- one at Quality the night of the fire, one at Bartle and Gibsons the night of the fire, one at Bartle and Gibsons the night before the fire, and one at After 8 billiards hall last week.

At Bartle and Gibsons, $75 went missing the first time. The second night a safe was taken from the plumbing company's offices, but it turned out to be empty.

About $500 and eight pool cues were reported missing from the pool hall.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Dave Grundy said Glacier is not a suspect in any other suspicious fire, adding there are no major arsons outstanding.

The Franklin Avenue fire also damaged Les's Second Hand Swap Shop, located in the basement of the building.

Quality is open for business selling stock which was stored in the warehouse across the street.