Canadian political leaders are sharing their sympathies following a devastating fire at Toronto’s St. Anne’s Anglican Church over the weekend. This comes as police ask for the public’s help in its ongoing investigation.
On Sunday morning, Toronto police responded to a call for a fire at the church, located at 270 Gladstone Avenue, just before 8 a.m. Police say they arrived on scene and noticed thick black smoke coming from the church which was “fully engulfed in flames.”
Emergency crews described the incident as a four-alarm fire, which is considered a catastrophic fire event if not handled correctly. According to Desert Fire, these types of fires only occur a few times a year for most city fire departments. Police say no injuries were reported and no one was inside the church at the time of the fire.
At the moment, police say the fire is not being treated as suspicious but are continuing to investigate its cause.
The historical church in the city’s west end was home to notable paintings by three members of the Group of Seven and distinguished sculptures by Canadian artists Frances Loring and Florence Wyle. These artworks were installed along the interior of the church in the 1920s.
According to St. Anne’s website, The Rev. Canon Lawrence Skey, Rector of the church from 1902-1933, enlisted Group of Seven founding member J.E.H. MacDonald to bring his plan for the church to life.
In 1923, MacDonald accepted a commission to paint and decorate the church and as a result, he brought in nine more artists and two other members of the Group of Seven to execute the vision.
In a letter posted on the church’s website, St. Anne’s parish priest Father Don Beyers says the community is mourning the loss of the historical site.
“We continue on as a church and we will remain a parish community and a church for all. In the coming days I will consult with diocesan leadership and our leadership team to determine where to worship as we begin the work of rebuilding,” the priest said.
“…Yesterday’s fire was not the end of the story, but rather the beginning of a new chapter. We will rise from the ashes stronger and even more committed to our mission to be a church for all people,” the priest continued.
REACTIONS FROM POLITICAL LEADERS
Online, some Canadian political leaders are speaking out and sharing their condolences for the disastrous fire.
In a post on X, City Councillor for Ward 9 Davenport Alejandra Bravo says she, along with Mayor Olivia Chow, have met with the congregation of the church and they are determined to rebuild their community of faith.
Her office will also work across city divisions to support the church and the local community, including nearby vulnerable residents impacted by the fire.
