CONSEIL DES ÉCOLES CATHOLIQUES DU CENTRE-EST
Start of interior redevelopment work at École élémentaire catholique Au Cœur d'Ottawa

The Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) held a press conference on December 11 to mark the start of interior renovation work at École élémentaire catholique Au Cœur d'Ottawa and to announce its collaboration with the City of Ottawa for the creation of a community centre and a gymnasium attached to the school building. Councillor Shawn Menard, Ms. Marie-Christine Lemenchick and Mr. Michel Bédard, regional representatives from the Ministry of Education, along with members of the school community, were present to celebrate this important milestone alongside Mr. Denis Forget, School Trustee, and Mr. Marc Bertrand, Director of Education.

Quick Facts

• In 2020, the Government of Ontario granted an initial funding of $5.7 million for the purchase of the Deschâtelets building, where $5.2 million were for the school and $550,000 for renovation of the childcare centre.
• An additional $21.2 million in funding, announced in 2025, includes $19.3 million from the Government of Ontario and $1.9 million from the Canada-Ontario program.
• This funding will allow the continued renovation of the Deschâtelets building and the construction of a gymnasium that will be annexed to the existing structure, in partnership with the City of Ottawa. The project also includes the development of a community centre located on one floor of the existing building. 
• While the CECCE oversees the construction, the project is carried out in collaboration with the City of Ottawa, which will manage the community centre.
• Students will use the gymnasium during school hours, while the community will be able to have access outside school hours, strengthening the bond between the school and the community.
• The new school will accommodate 489 students and 39 childcare spaces (15 for toddlers and 24 for preschoolers). The initial approval provided for 351 spaces, and the additional funding announced in summer 2025 allowed for 138 more student spaces.
• Occupancy of the building is scheduled for January 2027.

Quotations :

"The resumption of work at Au Cœur d'Ottawa School symbolizes the perseverance and collaboration of an entire community. Thanks to the support of the Ontario Ministry of Education and the partnership with the City of Ottawa, we are carrying out a project that brings together heritage, education, and community life. We extend our sincere thanks to the Minister of Education, the honorable Paul Calandra, and the Ministry for providing the funding that allows these essential renovations to move forward." said Johanne Lacombe, Chair of the CECCE.

"This project embodies the strength and resilience of an entire community that deeply believes in the value of French-language education. Au Cœur d'Ottawa School will become a true place of gathering, learning, and pride for families, an environment where connections are built and where the Francophone community continues to grow. We also wish to thank the City of Ottawa for joining us in this meaningful project that will benefit the entire community." added Denis Forget, School Trustee for the Rideau-Vanier, Somerset, Kitchissippi, River, and Capital wards.

"I would first like to thank families for their patience and trust throughout this process, as well as the Ministry of Education for listening to and responding to the needs of families in this area. This project represents much more than just a school, it will be a modern and inclusive living space where students will grow, learn, and thrive in an environment rooted in history and oriented toward the future," added Marc Bertrand, Director of Education at the CECCE.

"It's good to see work moving forward again at École Au Cœur d'Ottawa. This project reflects the strong partnership between the City of Ottawa and the CECCE, and the shared goal of building complete, connected communities. The school will offer a modern learning environment, and the gymnasium and community space will give residents a place to gather and stay active. This will be a great multigenerational complex that will serve both students and the broader community," said Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.