Montreal police (SPVM) are investigating a fire that broke out overnight at a kosher restaurant in Montreal’s Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough. Police said evidence found at the scene suggests the fire was deliberately set, which has prompted a criminal investigation to determine the motive. CTV News obtained security footage from Garage Décarie, which is located in the same two-storey commercial building as the restaurant Nöam. The footage shows a man deliberately setting the fire. Nearly 80 firefighters responded to the two-alarm blaze on Décarie Blvd. between Plamondon Avenue and Vezina Street around 3 a.m., according to the Montreal fire department. No injuries were reported. Several politicians speak out Borough Mayor Stéphanie Valenzuela expressed concern on social media about the incident. “I understand that these events may cause concern. CDN-NDG is a diverse borough where everyone should feel safe and know they have a place,” she said. “Acts of violence and intimidation have no place in our neighbourhoods. We remain vigilant and committed to the safety of our communities.” She said she’s in contact with authorities and is closely monitoring the situation. MP Anthony Housefather, who represents the riding of Mount Royal, wrote on social media that the fire should be investigated as a hate crime. “Absolutely disgusted to see what appears to be an arson attack on a local kosher restaurant overnight,” he wrote. “This attack on a Jewish-owned business must be investigated as a hate crime & those involved in this criminal act must be caught & prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, echoed the same sentiments on social media. “Disgusted to see this attack on a local kosher restaurant. Trusting this disgraceful act will be properly investigated as a hate crime,” he wrote.
