BLAINVILLE, Quebec — A popular poutine restaurant in Blainville was heavily damaged early Sunday morning in a fire authorities are treating as suspicious, police confirmed.
The blaze at Rest-Poutine, located on Boulevard de la Seigneurie, broke out shortly after midnight on April 26, 2026, according to the Journal de Montréal. Firefighters from the Régie intermunicipale des incendies de Thérèse-De Blainville (RIPTB) responded to the scene and brought the fire under control before it could spread to adjacent buildings. No injuries were reported, but the restaurant sustained significant damage.
Investigation Underway
The Thérèse-De Blainville Police Department (RIPTB) has classified the incident as a potential case of arson, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Chief Inspector Karine Desaulniers told reporters that forensic teams were dispatched to the scene to collect evidence and reconstruct the sequence of events.
“Our investigators are interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage from nearby businesses,” Desaulniers said. “At this stage, no arrests have been made, and we are urging anyone with information to come forward.”
The RIPTB has not disclosed any potential suspects or motives but confirmed that the investigation is in its early phases. Authorities are particularly interested in any unusual activity reported in the area around the time of the fire.
Community Reaction
Rest-Poutine, known for its Quebecois-style poutine, had been a local fixture in Blainville for several years. The restaurant’s owners have not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident, but patrons and neighboring business owners expressed shock and concern over the fire.
“It’s devastating to see a place like this affected,” said a nearby shop owner who asked not to be named. “Rest-Poutine was always packed, especially on weekends. We hope the owners can recover from this.”
Recent Pattern of Restaurant Fires
The incident follows a series of suspicious fires at restaurants in Quebec and across Canada in recent months. In March 2025, a fire of suspicious origin damaged a restaurant in Sainte-Thérèse, about 15 kilometers from Blainville, though no arrests were made in that case. Authorities have not indicated whether the two incidents are connected.
Anyone with information about the Blainville fire is asked to contact the RIPTB at 450-435-2421, extension 0.