fire in Pointe-Parent Highlights Ongoing Struggles in Abandoned Community
A fire broke out in a house in the Pointe-Parent area last week, marking another chapter in the long saga of vandalism and destruction plaguing the region.Thanks to the swift intervention of the Nutashkuan firefighters,the house was saved,but the incident underscores the challenges faced by this largely abandoned community.
The fire occurred on January 9 around 10 a.m.in a house located on rue du Moulin, near the Dépanneur Chez Ti-Can. According to the Sureté du Québec, the blaze was caused by a cigarette butt and was treated as accidental.Nutashkuan Fire Chief Danny Malec described the scene: “The fire was starting to get bigger. We intervened quickly,the fire was coming from the cellar,where a poorly extinguished cigarette butt had been left. There was a lot of smoke and the floor was starting to catch fire.It’s an uninhabited house due to mold, but we managed to save it.”
This incident is part of a broader pattern of fires and vandalism in Pointe-Parent, a community that has been largely uninhabited since the Quebec goverment initiated a house buyback programme in 2017.Residents, fearing for their safety after multiple incidents of vandalism, began leaving the area following the government’s announcement of an imminent takeover. However, the buyback process has been slow, with the first phase for resident owners only completed in March 2024. A second phase for non-resident owners is still ongoing.
The houses purchased by the government are transferred to the Nutashkuan band council through the Nutashkuan-nu assi house management institution. Despite these efforts, the prolonged vacancy of manny properties has led to increased vandalism, rendering most homes uninhabitable. Some houses, though officially empty, are used by members of the neighboring innu community in Natashquan, which is grappling with a housing crisis.
The January 9 fire is the second in Pointe-Parent and the fourth in the region in the last six months. Last September, another fire completely destroyed an uninhabited house at the end of rue du Moulin. Additional fires in Nutashkuan and on Île-michon have further highlighted the vulnerability of these abandoned properties.
| Key Incidents in Pointe-Parent |
|————————————|
| January 9, 2025: Fire on rue du moulin, caused by a cigarette butt. |
| September 2024: Fire destroys uninhabited house at the end of rue du Moulin.|
| December 2024: Fire destroys a house in Nutashkuan during the holidays. |
| Fall 2024: fire damages a house on Île-Michon. |
The ongoing struggles in Pointe-Parent serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of prolonged neglect and the urgent need for effective solutions to address the region’s challenges. As the buyback program continues, the community hopes for a future where safety and stability can be restored.
By Julien Greschner Local Journalism Initiative
Exploring teh Fire in Pointe-Parent: A Conversation on Abandoned Communities and Government buyback Programs
Table of Contents
In the wake of a recent fire in Pointe-Parent, a largely abandoned community in Quebec, ongoing challenges of vandalism, neglect, and the slow progress of a government buyback program have come to the forefront. To shed light on thes issues, senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Sarah Thompson, sits down with Dr. Marie Leclerc, a sociologist and expert on rural community displacement and housing crises, to discuss the implications of these events and the path forward for Pointe-Parent.
The Recent Fire and Its broader Context
Sarah Thompson: Dr. Leclerc, thank you for joining us. Last week’s fire in Pointe-Parent, caused by a cigarette butt in an uninhabited house, seems to be part of a larger pattern. Can you explain why this community is especially vulnerable to such incidents?
Dr. Marie Leclerc: Thank you for having me,Sarah. Pointe-parent’s vulnerability stems from its prolonged abandonment. Since the Quebec government initiated a buyback program in 2017, many residents have left, fearing safety concerns due to vandalism.The slow pace of the buyback process has left many properties vacant, creating a breeding ground for fires and further destruction.
The Government Buyback Program and its Challenges
Sarah Thompson: the buyback program was meant to address these issues, but it seems to have had mixed results. What are the key challenges it’s facing?
Dr. Marie Leclerc: The program’s primary issue is its slow implementation. The first phase, targeting resident owners, was only completed in march 2024, and the second phase for non-resident owners is still ongoing. This delay has left homes in legal limbo, making them targets for vandalism. Additionally, while purchased properties are transferred to the Nutashkuan band council, the lack of immediate action to secure or repurpose them has exacerbated the problem.
The Impact on the Nutashkuan and Innu Communities
Sarah Thompson: How has this situation affected the neighboring Nutashkuan and Innu communities, especially given their own housing crises?
Dr. Marie Leclerc: The abandonment of Pointe-Parent has created a ripple effect. While some empty houses are used by members of the Innu community in Natashquan, many are in such poor condition due to vandalism that they’re uninhabitable. this exacerbates the housing crisis in the region, as these communities struggle to accommodate their growing populations. The fires, like the one on January 9, further diminish the already limited housing stock.
potential Solutions and the path Forward
Sarah Thompson: What steps can be taken to address these challenges and restore stability to Pointe-Parent?
Dr. Marie Leclerc: first, the government must expedite the buyback process and ensure that properties are handed over to the Nutashkuan band council promptly. Second, there needs to be a clear plan for repurposing or demolishing these homes to prevent further vandalism. Collaboration with local communities is also crucial—engaging the Innu community in decision-making can help address housing needs while fostering a sense of ownership and duty. increased security measures and community patrols can deter vandalism and protect remaining properties.
A Broader Lesson for Abandoned Communities
Sarah Thompson: Does Pointe-Parent’s situation offer any broader lessons for other abandoned or struggling communities?
dr. Marie Leclerc: Absolutely. Pointe-Parent highlights the dangers of prolonged neglect and the importance of timely, community-centered interventions. Abandoned properties are not just an eyesore—they can become safety hazards and symbols of systemic failure. Governments and local authorities must work together to address these issues proactively, ensuring that buyback programs are efficient and that displaced communities are supported.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you,Dr. Leclerc, for your insightful analysis.It’s clear that Pointe-Parent’s challenges are complex, but with the right strategies, there’s hope for a safer and more stable future.
Dr.Marie Leclerc: Thank you, Sarah. I’m hopeful that with increased attention and collaboration, Pointe-Parent can serve as a model for resilience and renewal.
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