by Jean Yves Pelletier
On November 1, 2019, the Soeurs de l’Institut Jeanne d’Arc (Sisters of the Joan of Arc Institute), in the presence of representatives of the National Capital Commission and several citizens, unveiled a bronze historic marker now permanently affixed to the façade of 489 Sussex Drive memorializing what came to be the Institut Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc Institute), which operated at that address for 72 years, from 1917 to 1989. The plaque was erected this year (2019) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Sisters of the Joan of Arc Institute.
Joan of Arc Institute, accompanied by two sisters, unveiled the plaque
along with Anne Ménard (2nd from left), vice president, Capital
Stewardship, National Capital Commission, on November 1, 2019
The Sisters of the Joan of Arc Institute were founded in Ottawa one hundred years ago in 1919 by Mother Marie Thomas d’Aquin (née Jeanne Louise Branda, 1877-1963). The congregation’s mission was focused on opening its doors to all, as an active presence in the community and helping others, and it was known for opening its doors to all, regardless of social, cultural, religious or linguistic barriers. Its open and inclusive outlook led to lasting bonds with the community as a whole. A congregation of diocesan right of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa, it endeavoured to raise the level of education of hundreds of young women in boarding houses and schools in Ottawa (Lowertown, Sandy Hill and Westboro) and in Gatineau (Hull, Aylmer).
The building at 489 Sussex Drive was originally composed of five commercial structures, built between 1846 and 1876 when Sussex Street was at the centre of Ottawa’s commercial activity. The Sisters progressively acquired the properties between 1917 and 1926, and converted them into a single building. Institut Jeanne d’Arc provided hospitality to young women who left rural areas and their families to move to the city. It provided these women with a safe and welcoming residence at a very affordable price. Over the years, it wasn’t uncommon to find students from different countries, religions and socio-economic classes in the same classroom.
The Institut served as a convent and as a bilingual secretarial school and boarding house for young female students and working women. Beginning in 1936 a kindergarten program was offered in English and French and ran for 30 years. In addition, the Institut provided private French and English lessons for men and women (the private French classes given by Mother Marie Thomas d’Aquin were highly sought-after), and offered sewing courses for nearly 20 years. Diverse social and cultural activities filled its halls. For example, the Institut took in the poor from St. Vincent de Paul at Christmas, provided assistance to soldiers during World War II, and hosted Ontario’s Assembly of Bishops, the Young Catholic Workers (YCW), Governors General, as well as members of the Union Nationale Française.
Owned by the National Capital Commission since 1980, this Recognized federal heritage building (1986) was restored in the 1990s along with the courtyard which also bears the name ‘’Joan of Arc’’. It was listed on the City of Ottawa’s Heritage Register in 2017.