Stanstead’s Historic Ursulines College Faces Decay and Preservation Struggles

The former Ursulines College in Stanstead, a 19th-century educational landmark, remains in severe disrepair, according to Richard Tanguay, who explains that the non-profit organization still has much to do. The structure, which served as a key educational institution from 1884 to 2004, now faces accelerating decay due to exposure to the elements, with a large section of its wall having collapsed last year, according to Le Devoir. Gestion Fratelli, the private real estate company that owns the property, has not initiated preservation efforts for the abandoned wing, while local officials grapple with legal and financial constraints to intervene.

Matthew Farfan, a historian and former Stanstead city councilor, described the building’s condition as “pitoyable” (pitiful), noting that a 2020 demolition of a connecting corridor left a gaping hole in the structure. The site, which houses over 70 residents in its converted Sainte-Famille wing, now stands as a “point de repère” (landmark) for generations of residents, with its deteriorating state drawing public outcry. “C’est devant tout le monde, y compris les touristes qui viennent,” Farfan said, emphasizing the building’s visibility to visitors and longtime citizens alike.

Legal and Financial Barriers to Preservation

Stanstead’s mayor, Jody Stone, acknowledged the city’s limited capacity to enforce preservation measures, citing a lack of legal precedent. “Il n’y a vraiment pas beaucoup de jurisprudence encore, c’est ça qui nous fait peur un peu,” he stated, highlighting the risks of pursuing legal action against property owners. A 2021 provincial law aimed at strengthening municipal authority over heritage sites allows municipalities to undertake necessary preservation work and demand reimbursement from the owner, though the mayor noted that the recourse is “dangereux” (dangerous).

The building’s owner, Gestion Fratelli, has focused on its adjacent Manoir Stanstead retirement residence, which accommodates over 70 residents. The company has not commented on plans for the abandoned wing.

Historical Significance and Community Impact

The Ursulines College, a rare Second Empire-style structure in the border town, was once a hub for education in the Cantons-de-l’Est region. Its closure in 2004 marked the end of an era for local families, many of whom attended the school. The building’s decline has mirrored that of the Wilder-Pierce complex, another historic structure demolished last autumn after years of neglect. Hughes Ménard, Stanstead’s city manager, noted that the adoption of a new regulation on building maintenance and demolition by the end of 2025 could provide “plus de mordant” (greater authority) for the municipal council to save important buildings.

Farfan emphasized the emotional weight of the site, stating that its neglect reflects broader challenges in balancing private ownership with public heritage. “Tout le monde réagit très mal,” he said, adding that the building’s fate “n’est pas juste pour son architecture, son patrimoine. C’est une institution où des générations de Stansteadois ont fait leur secondaire.” (It’s not just about its architecture or heritage; it’s an institution where generations of Stansteadois completed their secondary education.)

Future Prospects and Uncertain Pathways

While no immediate plans for the Ursulines College have been announced, the 2021 legislation has sparked hope among preservationists. The law allows municipalities to undertake restoration work and seek reimbursement from property owners. Stanstead’s council is considering whether to pursue this route, though Stone admitted the process is not easy.

The situation underscores a broader tension between private interests and public heritage. Gestion Fratelli’s focus on its retirement residence highlights the economic incentives driving real estate decisions, even as historical sites face abandonment. For now, the Ursulines College remains a symbol of both resilience and vulnerability, its fate hanging in the balance between preservation and neglect.