What Happened
The historic eglise saint paul, located in Montreal’s Sud-Ouest borough, was destroyed by a five-alarm fire early Monday morning. The Montreal Fire Department (SIM) received a 911 call around 2 a.m. regarding the blaze at the vacant church situated on De l’Eglise Avenue and Laurendeau Street. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire.
Why It Matters
This church, built in 1911, was a designated heritage site and a significant landmark in the Côte-Saint-Paul neighborhood. According to local historian Guy Gélinas, the church was central to the community, having hosted numerous religious ceremonies over the years. The loss of the eglise saint paul represents a devastating blow to the cultural and historical fabric of the area, which has been recognized for its architectural value and rich history.
What’s Next
In the aftermath of the fire, approximately 148 residents were evacuated from the vicinity, including 73 individuals from a nearby former rectory converted into a senior residence. The Red Cross has been engaged to assist those affected. The Montreal Fire Department continues to investigate the cause of the fire, which was exacerbated by challenging weather conditions, including snow and ice.
