A dilapidated building at Place Henri-Bourassa (2060 Henri-Bourassa Blvd.) was completely destroyed by flames in the early hours of the morning on May 3. (Photo: Sylvain Ryan)
Total loss
Flames completely destroyed a dilapidated building at Place Henri-Bourassa in the early morning on May 3. The incident appeared to be suspicious, and the fire department transferred the file to the Montreal police (SPVM)’s arson squad. The investigation is currently underway.
The fire started at about 11:30 p.m. on May 2 in the basement of 2090 Henri-Bourassa Blvd. in Bordeaux-Cartierville. About 60 firefighters fought the three-alarm blaze for about five hours.
According to SPVM spokesperson, Olivier Lapointe, there is little chance the fire was an accident.
“There wasn’t anyone inside the abandoned building. It was boarded up and was not connected to the electricity,” he said.
The building was part of the Places l’Acadie and Henri-Bourassa (PAHB) complex, which was bought by the Groupe Tyron in mid-April for $14.8 million. The area has been known to be a slum. The 565 units contained mould, vermin, and various other problems. Despite multiple interventions from the City of Montreal and the Régie du logement (rental board), as well as about 1,000 tickets issued, the former owner, Sadok Sagman, refused to renovate his buildings.
The burnt out building will soon be demolished. Within the following weeks, the other buildings of PAHB will meet the same fate to make room for a new apartment complex that will have 1,200 units, 250 of which will be dedicated to social housing.
(Translated by Elyse Amend)
Météo: Montréal, 5 juillet 2008 / 27°C
/ Quelques nuages
/ Vents: 11 Km/h / Humidité relative: 39 % 
par Sébastien Auger 
Steven Guilbeault - 
