Fire at Tamaracouta Scout Reserve destroys main building
Police are investigating after a fire broke out at a former Scouts Canada camp in the Laurentians over the weekend.
The fire at Tamaracouta Scout Reserve on Saturday afternoon caused "complete damage to the main office lodge building," according to a spokesperson from Scouts Canada.
No injuries were reported.
The organization has fenced off the site in Mille-Iles, about 20 kilometres northwest of Saint-Jerome.
In 2011, the camp hosted an international scouting jamboree and was one of the oldest continuously operating Scout camps in the world.
A historical Scouting landmark, the camp and property have been closed since 2018 following "years of successive financial hardship."
According to Scouts Canada, numerous municipal heritage buildings on the property needed urgent structural and electrical repairs, as well as a new septic system. A spokesperson said a warden visited the site five days a week since its closure for "maintenance and security."
The property was put up for sale in 2023.
Local authorities say they've been concerned about the deserted site and asked Scouts Canada to do more to keep it secure.
"It's a sad situation. In fact, the municipality even sent a letter to Scouting advising them of the public safety problem with this because obviously, there's no lifeguard, and there's nothing going on at the camp. The vandalism because dangerous and it being a private property, only the owner is allowed to call authorities for any event," said Mille-Iles Mayor Howard Sauve.
The the main office lodge building at Tamaracouta Scout Reserve was destroyed (CTV News)
The site left abandoned and unsold – and now a fire to its main building – spell a difficult future for a camp with such rich history, said Sauve.
"It's just another sad chapter in the seemingly slow demise of the remnants of the TSR which was the central point for scouting in Quebec. I mean, Knights of Tamara, all the scouts that came from the world for the Jubilee. It was amazing. I'd say scouting at its peak, I guess. And to see it going the other way now, it's just it's very, very sad," he said. "Whatever happens to the camp down the road, that the Scouts can keep some sort of a foothold in there, to keep some sort of a link to their past. I mean, they built the place and now it just seems to be going nowhere."
Police are investigating the cause of the fire. Scouts Canada said it is supporting police in the investigation.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Amber Alert issued for 2 toddlers near Quebec City
Police have issued an Amber Alert for two children who have gone missing from near Quebec City.
Netanyahu acknowledges 'tragic mistake' after Rafah strike kills dozens of Palestinians
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday that a "tragic mistake" had been made after an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah set fire to a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians and, according to local officials, killed at least 45 people.
Mike Tyson had medical issue on cross-country flight
Boxing legend Mike Tyson required medical attention after experiencing an 'ulcer flare up' toward the end of a cross-country flight Sunday, his representatives confirmed to the New York Post.
Why Canada's big grocery stores are under investigation
Amid mounting outrage over high grocery prices, a retail expert says there's a solution to fostering more competition in the country.
Arrests made in 'highly orchestrated' GTA auto theft operation: police
Peel Regional Police say they have arrested 16 suspects and issued arrest warrant for another 10 individuals in connection with an auto theft investigation carried out by a 'highly orchestrated criminal operation.'
Indigo Books & Music shareholders vote to approve privatization sale
Indigo Books & Music Inc. shareholders have voted to approve a deal that will see the retailer become a private company.
Quebec police investigating after entire herd of 75 cattle allegedly stolen
Quebec provincial police are investigating after an entire herd of about 75 cattle were allegedly stolen in the Eastern Townships region last week.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
Canada pledges visas for 5,000 Gaza residents related to Canadians
Canada said on Monday it would grant temporary visas to 5,000 Gaza residents under a special program for Canadians' relatives living in the war-torn enclave, a preparatory move in case they are able to leave in the future.