Montreal Morning Brief: Monday, February 23, 2026

Five-Alarm Fire Forces Evacuations in Sud-Ouest

A massive fire broke out at the vacant Saint-Paul church in Montreal's Sud-Ouest borough early this morning, displacing approximately 150 residents from surrounding buildings. The five-alarm blaze was reported around 2 a.m. near de l'Eglise Avenue and Laurendeau Street.

Among those evacuated were 73 residents from an adjacent senior residence, according to officials on the scene. Emergency crews worked through the night to contain the flames and ensure the safety of nearby buildings.

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Fire crews remained at the scene as of Monday morning, monitoring hot spots and assessing structural damage to the historic church building. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The vacant church had been the subject of community discussions regarding its future use, though no concrete redevelopment plans had been finalized. Authorities have not yet determined when evacuated residents will be able to return to their homes.

Former PM Trudeau Purchases $3.1M Outremont Estate

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made Outremont his new home, closing on a $3.1 million estate in one of Montreal's most prestigious neighborhoods on February 16.

The nearly century-old stone property boasts impressive features including seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, a sophisticated home office, and a ballroom. The historic residence reflects the architectural character that has made Outremont a sought-after address for Montreal's elite.

Sources indicate that Trudeau has already begun extensive renovations on the property. The former PM has reportedly shown the home to his girlfriend, pop star Katy Perry, as they settle into this new chapter.

The purchase marks a significant personal milestone for Trudeau following his departure from public office. Outremont, known for its tree-lined streets, upscale shops, and proximity to downtown Montreal, has long been favored by politicians, academics, and business leaders.

The transaction was completed through private channels, and details about the specific renovations underway have not been disclosed. Real estate experts note that properties of this caliber in Outremont rarely come on the market, making this acquisition particularly noteworthy.

Defence Secretary Addresses Investment Priorities in Montreal

Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr is scheduled to speak in Montreal today regarding Canada's new defence investment priorities. The address comes at a crucial time as the federal government recalibrates its defence spending strategy amid evolving global security challenges.

The visit to Montreal underscores the city's growing importance in Canada's defence sector ecosystem. Quebec has become an increasingly vital hub for aerospace and defence manufacturing, with several major companies maintaining significant operations in the province.

Fuhr's remarks are expected to outline how federal procurement decisions will impact Quebec's defence industry and potentially create new opportunities for local manufacturers and technology firms. The defence sector has been identified as a key area for economic growth and job creation in the Montreal region.

Industry observers will be watching closely for any announcements regarding specific contracts or programs that could benefit Quebec-based companies. The defence procurement portfolio has faced scrutiny in recent years over delays and cost overruns on major projects.

Volatus Aerospace Expands to Mirabel

In related defence sector news, aerospace manufacturer Volatus Aerospace has announced plans to establish manufacturing and assembly operations in Mirabel, Quebec. The expansion is designed to support Canadian defence capabilities and strengthen the country's aerospace manufacturing base.

Mirabel has long been recognized as a strategic location for aerospace operations, with existing infrastructure and a skilled workforce already in place. The area is home to several major aerospace companies and has benefited from Quebec's investment in the sector.

Volatus Aerospace's decision to locate in Mirabel reflects confidence in Quebec's aerospace ecosystem and the availability of specialized talent in the region. The company's manufacturing and assembly operations are expected to create jobs and contribute to the local economy.

Details about the scale of the investment and the specific timeline for the facility's opening have not yet been released. However, the announcement signals continued growth in Quebec's aerospace sector, which has proven resilient despite global economic uncertainties.

The expansion aligns with federal government priorities to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for critical defence systems.

NEXUS Lanes Reopen at Canadian Airports

Travelers passing through Canadian airports received welcome news this morning as NEXUS global entry lanes officially reopened. The trusted traveler program lanes, which had been suspended, resumed operations as of Monday morning.

The reopening will provide relief to frequent cross-border travelers who rely on the expedited screening process. NEXUS membership allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to use dedicated lanes when entering Canada and the United States, significantly reducing wait times at border crossings and airports.

The suspension had caused frustration among the program's members, who pay fees for the convenience and time savings the service provides. Airports serving Montreal, including Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, are among those benefiting from the restoration of NEXUS lane access.

Customs and border officials have not provided detailed explanations for the temporary suspension, though security reviews and system upgrades are common reasons for such measures. The program continues to be popular among business travelers and frequent flyers who value efficiency at border crossings.

Travelers are reminded that NEXUS membership requires background checks and interviews with both Canadian and U.S. authorities. The program is designed to facilitate legitimate travel while maintaining security standards.

Looking Ahead

As Montreal begins this work week, these stories reflect the diverse range of issues affecting the city: from emergency response and public safety to high-profile real estate transactions, defence sector developments, and improvements to travel infrastructure.

The Sud-Ouest fire serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding vacant properties and heritage buildings in Montreal's older neighborhoods. Meanwhile, developments in the defence and aerospace sectors signal continued economic opportunities for the region.

Residents displaced by the church fire remain the immediate priority, with emergency services continuing to monitor the situation and assess when it will be safe for people to return to their homes.