The CEO of the Gaelic College says officials with St. Joseph Renewal Centre have accepted their proposal for the convent.
Rodney MacDonald says there are a few steps along the way, but there’s a conditional offer on the table and they’re excited at the prospects of taking over ownership.
He says they started to look at their options when the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame announced they’d be closing the convent and renewal centre and putting it up for sale earlier in the year.
A price tag of $599,000 is attached to the online real estate listing.
MacDonald tells The Hawk they’re looking forward to potential opportunities.
“We know that there was a lot of interest in the building; (it’s) been well-maintained by the Sisters over the years and the staff,” he says. “We believe that it’s a great fit for our institution and we believe that there’s a bright future ahead for the St. Joseph Renewal Centre.”
MacDonald says they have to do their due diligence before the closing date toward the end of the year.
He says they’d be able to offer various courses on site, and work with traditional groups that have used the centre, along with others.
MacDonald says taking over ownership would be important for the area.
“We are hopeful that all will go smoothly and that we will have a very bright story for, not only the community of Mabou, but for the people of the Gaelic College, the foundation and the surrounding communities.”
MacDonald says their focus and proposal is based on education, culture, faith and community.