Quebec town on edge after fourth suspicious fire destroys Ormstown pizzeria

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 09, 2026

Photo Courtesy: CBC News

A small community in Quebec is seeking stronger police protection after a pizzeria was completely destroyed in a suspected arson attack, marking the fourth suspicious fire in the area in recent months.

Firefighters were called to Pizzeria Ormstown, formerly known as Pizza Sara, on Lambton Street at around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 8.

The blaze spread rapidly through the building, eventually forcing firefighters to demolish the structure because of extensive damage. The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) said investigators found several indications that the fire may have been deliberately set.

No one was injured, and authorities said no evacuation was necessary at the time of the incident.

The latest fire is part of a series of suspicious incidents involving businesses in Ormstown, a municipality with fewer than 4,000 residents in Quebec’s Montérégie region.

Previous incidents include a fire at Casa Venezia in July, an attack on Express 57 in September and an earlier attempted arson at Pizzeria Ormstown on November 4. A 27-year-old man was arrested in connection with the November 4 incident and is facing criminal charges.

Police have not established whether the incidents are connected.

Ormstown Mayor Philippe Besombes described the repeated fires as unacceptable, saying residents and business owners are increasingly worried about their safety.

He has requested an urgent meeting with Quebec’s public safety minister to discuss additional measures and resources for the community.

Business owners have also expressed fears that their establishments could become the next targets. Claude Gervais, owner of Express 57, said the repeated incidents have taken a toll on his family and business, prompting him to consider whether to remain in the town.

Quebec Public Safety Minister Guy Lapointe Jr. said he would visit Ormstown on Monday to meet with the mayor and police representatives and discuss the situation.

The SQ continues to investigate the fires and has yet to determine whether they are part of a coordinated series of attacks.