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 a 911 call was received shortly before 2 a.m. on February 23, leading to the dispatch of 100 firefighters. The fire escalated to a five-alarm incident, spreading to the adjacent former rectory, which had been converted into a seniors’ residence.
Why It Matters
The church, constructed between 1910 and 1911, was part of a heritage site and held significant cultural value for the community. Although the church had been vacant for years, it served as a landmark for many residents who celebrated important life events there. The fire also resulted in the destruction of a local food bank that operated out of the church, impacting approximately 200 families who relied on its services weekly. Borough Mayor Véronique Fournier emphasized the church’s importance to the community and pledged support for maintaining food services.
What’s Next
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, with fire officials assessing the extent of the damage. The Archdiocese of Montreal is in communication with local authorities to gather more information. Meanwhile, the Canadian Red Cross has provided assistance to the 148 evacuees, including 73 seniors from the retirement home. Community leaders are working to find short-term solutions to continue food services for those affected.
