Supporters of Villa Maria School introduced their considerations to Quebec Metropolis on Tuesday, urging the Congregation of Notre-Dame to offer readability on the way forward for the historic faculty.
Villa Maria, a non-public co-ed highschool that’s operated for greater than 170 years, sits on land owned by the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre-Dame.
In 2023, it introduced plans to ultimately promote the property as soon as the college’s lease expires in 2030.
Since then, the uncertainty surrounding the college’s future has sparked protests, authorized motion and a rising concern from households.
“My understanding is that the board within the coming days and weeks goes to be coming ahead with suggestions,” mentioned Désirée McGraw, NDG MNA. “We wish to ship a really robust sign each to the board and particularly the congregation that the group and the general public curiosity is greatest served by Villa Maria staying the place it’s.”
Liberal MNA Desiree McGraw tabled a petition on the Nationwide Meeting on Tuesday, signed by almost 4,000 folks, calling on “all stakeholders to discover each attainable avenue to permit the college to stay on its present website.”
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Neighborhood leaders say they’re not solely in search of solutions — but in addition options.
Among the many concepts being mentioned as soon as once more is the potential of subdividing the property, which might enable the college to stay on a part of the positioning.
“The borough and our new administration is absolutely open to receiving any deposit of a brand new challenge that’s in keeping with preserving the college in its present location,” mentioned Stéphanie Valenzuela, CDN-NDG borough mayor.
Whereas supporters proceed to advocate for the college, Suzanne Gouin, chair of the board of administrators, says it’s working tirelessly to provide you with its suggestions, which needs to be submitted to the congregation by the tip of the month.
“Give us just a bit bit extra time,” mentioned Gouin. “In order that we will finalize our work, and ensuring that once we provide you with the proposal to the congregation, that no one, I imply, folks is probably not proud of the tip outcome, however no one will have the ability to say that we haven’t performed our homework to the T.”
Gouin says she hopes a remaining determination will likely be made by the beginning of the upcoming faculty 12 months.
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