Congregation moves ahead with sale of Villa Maria estate
Posted July 23, 2026 6:40 pm.
Last Updated July 24, 2026 7:37 am.
The Villa Maria estate is being listed for sale, the Soeurs de la Congrégation de Notre-Dame announced Thursday.
The current lease with Villa Maria High School expires in July 2030.
Listing the estate was contingent on two conditions: 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 High School.
Both of these conditions have now been met, the congregation says.
The sisters will gradually be relocated from Bon-Secours to a living space that provides care for the elderly. And the board of directors of Villa Maria High School ruled out the option of relocating the school, in a report on June 26.
Another part of the deal says the current lease with Villa Maria High School must be honoured, and the buyer will be required to negotiate a new lease for a minimum period of two additional years — up to the summer of 2032.
Other sale criteria include working to preserve green space, protecting the site’s heritage value, commitment to the values of the Congregation, and the fair market value of the property.
“It is our sincere hope that Villa Maria High School will continue its mission for as long as possible,” said Sister Ona Bessette, leader of the congregation. “Recognizing the importance of providing predictability for families, staff and the community, we made sure that the terms of sale included specific commitments: respect for the current lease through 2030 and the buyer’s obligation to negotiate a new lease with the College for a minimum term of two years.”
