The fire at the Bon-Pasteur monastery continued to rage Friday morning in downtown Montreal, while 150 firefighters were still mobilized to control the blaze, which broke out late Thursday afternoon on the roof of the mythical chapel of this heritage building built at the end of the 19th centurye century.
According to firefighters, the fire first affected the chapel, which is in the center of the street building, but then spread to the other wings. These include a residence for the elderly and a housing cooperative. In all, 36 people were taken care of by the Red Cross.
All occupants of the Sherbrooke Street building were evacuated in time. A citizen was treated for hypothermia. A firefighter was also taken care of on the spot after being inconvenienced by the smoke.
The chapel, whose enclosure was restored in 1985, is for its part recognized as one of the “most prestigious” concert halls in Montreal, can we read on the City’s website. A member of the Maisons de la Culture network, it notably owns a Fazioli concert piano and a Kirckman harpsichord from 1772.
“It’s a tragedy. Everyone is in shock, it’s such an important place. It was the springboard for so many artists. Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Louis Lortie, Marc-André Hamelin, a lot of people played at the Chapel when they started out,” lamented Simon Blanchet, the cultural agent for the City of Montreal who is responsible for the historic Chapel of the Good Shepherd.
The chapel is also prized by popular artists for the quality of the sound it offers. It is in these places in particular that Richard Desjardins recorded his mythical album do you love me
Heritage Montreal and the Religious Heritage Council of Quebec also occupy offices on the other floors of the chapel. Mayor Valérie Plante and Minister of Culture Mathieu Lacombe are due to take stock later in the day. Already, firefighters confirm significant damage caused by water.
Environment Canada has also issued an air quality advisory for the area. “Pollution levels are above normal and are expected to persist until midday. An unusual cough, throat irritation, headache and shortness of breath are some of the possible symptoms. Children, seniors and people with cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, such as asthma, are at greater risk,” reads the federal agency’s website.