Letter delivered to the general management of Villa Maria College

Montréal, June 21, 2023

Dear Students,

Teachers,

Parents,

and staff members of Villa Maria College,

It is with great emotion that we have made public today our intention to find a buyer for the Villa Maria Domain and to proceed with its sale in 2030, after the sisters have moved to a more suitable place, given their age and health care needs, and at the end of the lease with Villa Maria College in July 2030.

The task of managing this vast domain is proving far too onerous for our community, whose average age is over 86. We must therefore turn this page in history, but we wish to do so with respect for our educational mission and all our partners.

That is why we have decided to announce several years ahead of time the date of the sale of the domain to enable current students and those admitted in 2024 to complete their educational journey with peace of mind. This timeline will also allow the Board of Directors of the College to take all the measures it deems necessary for the future of the institution.

The Congregation founded Villa Maria College in 1854, an institution which has helped shape the future of the students who attended it. We are grateful to have been a part of their journey.

We will remain by your side for the next seven years to pursue this great tradition of excellence and humanity.

To all the students, we encourage you to continue your academic endeavours and offer you our best wishes for success and happiness. To all parents, we thank you for your trust and dedication in supporting your child to develop their full potential. As we all move forward, let us find courage in the hope our youth inspire in us.

Sœur Ona Bessette, CND

General Superior of Les Soeurs de la Congrégation de Notre-Dame