The 64-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to setting fire to The Hub on the Docks will be sentenced next week.
Sonya Larson appeared in Goderich court on Wednesday for a sentencing hearing after pleading guilty to one count of arson with damage to property.
Justice Timothy MacDonald told those in attendance that he was prepared to give his judgement that afternoon, but would wait until receiving a victim impact statement from Kevin Larson, the owner of the restaurant and son of Sonya.
According to the agreed upon facts, Larson tried multiple times on the night of October 17, 2023 to set the restaurant on fire before ultimately succeeding on her third try. She did not use an accelerant in those efforts and all employees had gone home for the night.
The fire caused $1.7 million in damages.
It wasn't until almost two years later that investigating police realized they had access to the restaurant's cameras and were able to identify Larson. She was arrested in September 2025.
Larson said she did not remember the event and that she was "going through a dark period in her life."
"I don't know why I did it, especially to my son," a tear-stricken Larson told the courtroom. "I'm so sorry."
The defence said she has dealt with mental health struggles in the past, but that she is a first-time offender.
The Crown is seeking an 18-month custodial sentence followed by 24 months of probation, arguing that the lack of a motive is aggravating and without an explanation, it will be hard for the court to determine a course for rehabilitation. The Crown is not seeking restitution, with Justice MacDonald saying that based on her financial situation, it's a "pipe dream."
The defence is asking for that 18-month sentence to be conditional and served at home, saying that Larson has shown remorse, as well as a willingness to seek counselling.
Justice MacDonald heard that Kevin was willing to provide a victim impact statement but hadn't been contacted about one. He said the victim's input was important for the sentencing, especially given the complexity of the case.
The hearing has been adjourned until August 20, with a deadline for the statement to be filed by August 19.
