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The Sûreté du Québec is investigating a possible arson case over the weekend at the Tamaracouta Scout Reserve, northwest of Montreal, in which the site’s former main office lodge was reduced to rubble.
The provincial police force says it was called to the former Scout camp, in the town of Mille-Isles, around 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
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In addition to the fire, police found other buildings on the site had been broken into. Investigators seized items from the scene that could hint at the fire being intentionally set.
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“Expertise will be conducted and we will see where the investigation leads us,” said Sûreté du Québec spokesperson Marc Tessier, adding there are no known suspects at the moment.
No one was injured in the fire.
Considered a historical scouting landmark, the camp and property have been closed since 2018.
In a statement, Scouts Canada said it is supporting the police in the investigation and has temporarily fenced off the area where the fire occurred, since it is near a public road.
“We are saddened to share that the main office lodge has been completely and irreparably damaged,” Scouts Canada wrote.
“This building has a strong scouting history … and holds a special place in the hearts of many,” it added. “Those who experienced the adventure of past camps at TSR fondly remember this gathering place as a hub for friendship, camp traditions, decorative memorabilia and more.”
The organization said that although no activities haven taken place on the site since its closure in 2018, a warden from the Tamaracouta Scout Reserve visits it five days a week “for maintenance and security.”
Scouts Canada is in the process of selling the site.
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