What Happened
A fire has completely destroyed the historic former Saint-Paul Church in Montreal’s Sud-Ouest borough. The Montreal Fire Department reported that the blaze began shortly before 2 a.m. on February 23, escalating into a five-alarm fire that also affected the adjacent former rectory, which had been converted into a seniors’ residence. Approximately 100 firefighters were dispatched to combat the flames, which lit up the sky and produced significant smoke.
Why It Matters
The church, constructed between 1910 and 1911, was a significant landmark within the Côte-Saint-Paul heritage site, holding historical and emotional value for the community. The fire led to the evacuation of 148 individuals, including 73 seniors from the retirement home, with no reported injuries. Additionally, the blaze destroyed a local food bank that served around 200 families weekly, resulting in the loss of all food supplies and equipment, including newly purchased commercial refrigerators.
What’s Next
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, with fire officials assessing the extent of the damage. Maribel Mayorga, the Archdiocese of Montreal’s director of communications, stated that the immediate priority is the safety and well-being of those affected. Sud-Ouest borough Mayor Véronique Fournier has pledged support to find short-term solutions to maintain food services for the community, emphasizing the church’s significance in local life.
