Since the fire at Saint-Paul Church in Montreal's Sud-Ouest borough in February, a series of expert assessments has been carried out to evaluate the condition of the building and secure the site.

Structural engineers have concluded that parts of the building cannot be safely preserved, in part because the fire weakened the mortar in the affected walls.

A Quebec Superior Court ruling has since authorized the necessary work, clearing the way for demolition of those sections to begin soon. It is the latest in a series of measures taken since the fire to keep the site and the surrounding area safe.

The demolition does not include the church's façade or the sacristy at the rear, and the presbytery will also be preserved.

No decision has yet been made about the future of the site. For now, the priority remains carrying out the necessary work safely.

The Archdiocese of Montreal remains mindful of the communities and organizations affected by the fire and continues to support them where needed.