Dundas Sisters of St. Joseph convent subject of secondary school proposal
Columbia College suggesting 1,000 students while maintaining small convent
https://www.thespec.com/community-st...hool-proposal/
Representatives of the Sisters of St. Joseph convent at 574 Northcliffe Ave. are consulting City of Hamilton staff about converting most of the 96,000 square foot building into a 1,000-student secondary school for Columbia International College.
The four-storey, 67-year-old structure was up for sale in November for $15 million, but the listing was soon removed. The realtor, convent and Columbia previously declined comment. But on June 20, planning consultant IBI Group requested formal consultation with the city. That public document describes the goals of the two organizations.
"The reuse of the subject lands is desirable as the property was listed for sale in late 2017 indicating the space is much larger than the sisters need," the proposal description in IBI Group's request states. "This proposal is mutually beneficial for both the Sisters of St. Joseph being able to use a more appropriate space within the existing building, and Columbia International College utilizing the rest of the space for institutional uses for classes for 1,000 students."
Sister Margo Ritchie, congressional leader of the Sisters of St. Joseph, gave IBI Group permission to request formal consultation.
Ritchie told the Dundas Star the sisters made a communal decision to sell the Dundas property.
"We no longer need this much space. Selling the building allows us to focus more of our energy on our mission together," she said.
It opened in 1951 on more than 50 acres to accommodate about 200 sisters. The population declined to 43 by 2011. Ritchie said about 25 sisters currently live there.
"We have a good partner with (Columbia) and work is still in progress to see if, in fact, a sale might proceed," Ritchie said. "The sisters are open to a lease back of some space if the sale proceeds."
It's not the first time Columbia and the convent have partnered to try and address both organizations needs. In 2011 the city permitted temporary additional dormitory and classroom uses for up to 36 female Columbia students.
A meeting between IBI and city staff is expected within four to six weeks of the June 20 request. More details on required steps should be available around mid-August.