MONTREAL — The owner of an Old Montreal building where seven people died in a 2023 fire has been arrested and charged with manslaughter, authorities announced Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The charges mark a significant development in a case that has drawn scrutiny over building safety regulations in the historic district.
Émile Benamor, 63, a lawyer and businessman, faces seven counts of manslaughter and eight counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, according to police. The fire occurred on March 16, 2023, at a heritage property located at the intersection of Place D’Youville and du Port. Nine others were injured in the blaze, which officials have described as the deadliest fire in Montreal in the last 50 years.
Benamor was arrested Wednesday morning and appeared in court via video link, where he agreed to a list of release conditions, including refraining from contacting witnesses and ensuring his other rental properties comply with fire code regulations. He is scheduled to appear in court again on April 17.
While police had not previously suspected Benamor of being directly involved in the fire, an investigation revealed numerous safety deficiencies in the building that were the owner’s responsibility. According to Inspector-Chief David Shane of the Montreal Police Service (SPVM), investigators concluded there was criminal negligence based on witness testimony. “It’s at a level where the person is accused of manslaughter and not criminal negligence causing death,” Shane said in a press conference.
The charges come nearly three years after the fire and follow the delivery of a complete investigation report from the SPVM to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP) in October 2024. The case highlights the importance of maintaining safe housing conditions and the potential consequences for landlords who fail to do so.
A survivor of the fire expressed hope that justice would be served.
Benamor was released pending his next court appearance.
