The Congregation of Notre-Dame in Pointe-Claire

The convent, located on a landmark site overlooking Lake Saint-Louis, has witnessed generations of prayer, teaching, and community service.

The decision to leave is part of a broader context of an aging religious community and a realignment of its resources.

Although the building is steeped in history, it no longer meets the current needs of the sisters, whose numbers are declining.

A heritage site at the heart of Pointe-Claire

The convent of the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre-Dame in Pointe-Claire is a landmark whose history dates back more than two centuries.

Situated on a point of land overlooking Lake Saint-Louis, this site has long served as a spiritual, educational, and community hub for Montreal’s West Island.

In its immediate vicinity stands the Pointe-Claire windmill, built in 1709 by the priests of Saint-Sulpice.

This windmill, designated a heritage building since 1983, was in use until 1880 before being converted into a pumping station for the convent’s aqueduct.

It is currently undergoing restoration thanks to an agreement between the Archdiocese of Montreal and the City of Pointe-Claire, which is investing nearly one million dollars in its preservation.

Historical context and the sisters’ departure

The convent of the Congregation of Notre-Dame in Pointe-Claire, also known as Notre-Dame-du-Vieux-Moulin, is a historic site dating back to 1797.

The sisters settled there after leaving Lachine, on land belonging to the Saint-Joachim parish.

They taught young girls there for over two centuries in exchange for the right to reside on the property.

Today, the congregation plans to relocate the remaining 19 sisters to other convents in Montreal by December.

This departure is driven by rising maintenance costs and the aging of the religious community.

Heritage issues and the future of the site

The convent site, which also includes the heritage-classified windmill, the presbytery, and the church, has been protected by a municipal designation since 2013.

However, the Saint-Joachim parish, which owns the property, has not yet announced its intentions regarding the future of the land.

The Pointe-Claire Heritage Preservation Society is closely monitoring the situation.

Its president, Claude Arseneault, is advocating for the City of Pointe-Claire to acquire the site, similar to how Châteauguay transformed Île Saint-Bernard into a wildlife refuge.

Real estate value and future prospects

Due to its exceptional location and heritage character, the convent site is attracting significant real estate interest.

Developers have expressed strong interest, but any redevelopment would require a zoning change and a public consultation.

Although internal documents do not yet mention a specific redevelopment project, the sisters’ departure opens the door to discussions about the site’s reuse.

This type of property, rare and rich in history, could become a cultural hub, a community space, or a high-end residential development—provided that heritage constraints are respected.

What this means for Pointe-Claire:

• An opportunity to reflect on the preservation of religious and architectural heritage.

• A moment to honor the legacy of the sisters and their invaluable contribution.

• A transition that raises questions about the site’s future and its integration into community life.