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The historic Villa Maria estate in Montreal’s west end is going up for sale, but the potential buyer will be expected to honour the current lease with Villa Maria College.
That lease with the school expires in July 2030, the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre-Dame said in a Thursday news release. The buyer will also be required to negotiate a new lease for a minimum period of two additional years, that is, up to the summer of 2032.
Putting the estate on the market was contingent on two essential conditions: ensuring the relocation of the approximately 100 sisters living at Bon-Secours Residence, located on the Villa Maria estate, and obtaining a thorough analysis of the future prospects for Villa Maria College.
Both of these conditions are now met. The news release says the sisters will be moved to a place that provides care for the elderly over the next two years. As for the school, a June 26 report filed by its board of directors, rules out the option of relocating the school.
“It is our sincere hope that Villa Maria College will continue its mission for as long as possible,” said Sister Ona Bessette, leader of the congregation, in a statement.
Other sale criteria will include the preservation of green spaces, protecting the site’s heritage value and a commitment to the congregation’s values.
WATCH | Villa Maria estate for sale but with some conditions :
Montreal congregation puts historic Villa Maria estate up for sale
The Congregation of Notre-Dame says the sale of the property is contingent on two conditions: relocating the 100 or so sisters living on the premises and obtaining a thorough analysis of the future of Villa Maria College. The buyer would also be required to honour the current lease agreement with Villa Maria College.School will have right of first refusal
Villa Maria College may also exercise its right of first refusal following the congregation’s consideration of an offer that it is prepared to accept, the news release says.
Founded in Montreal by Marguerite Bourgeoys in the 17th century, the Congregation of Notre-Dame has played a major role in education in Quebec for more than 350 years.
The congregation says it plans to donate the net proceeds from the sale to a dedicated endowment fund intended to support vulnerable students in public elementary and secondary schools in Quebec.
This legacy builds on the work of Bourgeoys and reflects the congregation’s commitment to continuing to promote access to education and equal opportunities for future generations, the release says.
The future of the 172-year-old private school has been the subject of public debate for years after the congregation announced it would not renew the school’s lease beyond 2030.
Earlier this year, thousands of residents, parents and alumni signed a petition urging the Quebec government to help secure Villa Maria’s long-term future on its current Notre-Dame-de-Grâce campus.
In June, board chair Suzanne Gouin said the school did not have the financial resources to purchase the property outright and was examining multiple options to ensure its long-term viability. It was later that month that a report submitted to the congregation ruled out relocating the school.