Héritage Montréal takes note of the sale of the Villa-Maria estate announced on July 23 by the Congregation of Notre-Dame. This announcement had been expected ever since the nuns informed the public, in June 2023, of their decision to leave this site—which they have occupied since 1854—by 2030. While expressing concerns about the impact of this decision on heritage, we had at the time commended the sisters’ transparency and called on the Montreal and Quebec authorities to view this advance notice as an opportunity to work toward securing the future of this exceptional complex.

Last week’s press release reveals that the proceeds from this sale would be used to benefit vulnerable public school students—a modern reflection of the educational mission of this congregation founded by Marguerite Bourgeoys in the early days of Ville-Marie. The press release also outlines several criteria for evaluating purchase offers. In addition to considerations regarding the future of Collège Villa Maria and fair market value, we note the criteria “protection of the site’s heritage character” and “preservation of green spaces.” We reminded the Congregation’s leaders that these two criteria are open to interpretation and would benefit from being grounded in solid, shared knowledge. We reminded them of the need for a credible evaluation process by requesting access to the heritage studies that accompany (or should accompany) this call for bids, beyond the statement of heritage significance prepared by the Ville de Montréal in 2021.

Last June, Héritage Montréal submitted Resolution 2026-04 from its general assembly—concerning the future of Villa-Maria—to the Mayor of Montreal and the Quebec Minister of Culture. Following the announcement that the property is up for sale, we urge them to take action now to secure the future of this exceptional complex, whose value extends beyond that of the remarkable James-Monk House—designated a historic site in 1976—and encompasses this heritage estate, its buildings, its archaeological features, and its landscape.