The fire that severely damaged St. Anne’s Church in Toronto is now being investigated as a suspected arson. Officials from the Anglican Diocese of Toronto and St. Anne’s Church announced this development in a statement on Sunday. They indicated that both the Toronto police and the Office of the Fire Marshal have informed them that the fire, which occurred on June 9, 2024, is believed to have been intentionally set.

During a meeting held at the church, a police official shared this information with the congregation. The meeting aimed to provide updates on the ongoing investigation as the church awaits the fire marshal’s report.

Rev. Hannah Johnston, the priest-in-charge of St. Anne’s, expressed the community's distress over the news. "This has been a very difficult season for the St. Anne’s community, and learning this news will add to that pain," she stated. She emphasized that the church was more than just a building, describing it as a sacred space filled with memories for parishioners and the broader community.

The four-alarm fire caused extensive damage to the church, a national historic site located in Toronto’s Little Portugal neighborhood. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. The church housed significant artworks, including early pieces by members of the Group of Seven, which were lost in the fire.

Bishop Kevin Robertson of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto expressed his sorrow regarding the potential arson. "We are devastated to hear that the fire that destroyed the congregation of St. Anne’s building on Gladstone may have been deliberately set," he said. He added that the congregation should continue to be a source of hope and compassion in the community.

Alicia Coutts, director at Toronto Art Restoration, noted that efforts are underway to restore some of the damaged artworks. "There was definitely some loss, I mean there are some parts of this canvas that are completely charred," she explained. However, she mentioned that many images and colors remain visible, including some original gold leaf.

As discussions about rebuilding the church continue, the congregation has been meeting at the Parish Hall on Dufferin Street. Rev. Johnston highlighted the resilience of the community, stating, "Its loss has been devastating, yet our community is resilient. Our faith tells us that there is hope even in the face of suffering and death, and that new life can spring from the ashes."

The investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshal is still ongoing, and officials are working to determine the cause of the fire. The church remains boarded up as the community navigates this challenging time.