Auditorium catches fire as the Olympic Games approach

At the time of the Montréal Olympic Games in 1976, several cities in Québec and Ontario welcomed the Olympic flame for a few moments. This honour was bestowed upon the city of Verdun on July 15, 1976, two days before the official opening of the games. For the occasion, the municipal authorities prepared a large-scale welcome ceremony. Nearly 10,000 spectators were on hand in the arena and impatiently awaited the arrival of the flame. When the flame bearer walked through the doors and into the Auditorium, the crowd cheered. Mayor J.-Albert Gariepy then gave a speech. As the schedule for the flame’s passing was timed to the minute, it leaved approximately one hour later on its way to the city of Westmount, the last leg of its journey before its final destination, in Montréal. The official opening of the Montréal Olympic Games was on July 17, 1976.