The Sisters of St. Joseph have officially sold their long-held, multi-million-dollar lakeside retreat in Orillia.
The 200 Invermara Court property was sold to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto that is headquartered on Yonge Street in the province’s capital.
In a written statement to Village Media, Congregation of St. Joseph Ministries administrator Vickie McNally says the Archdiocese will take possession of the property on Oct. 1, 2024.
"It will continue to serve as a place of welcome, reflection, and prayer," she said.
Acquired in October of 1941 by the Sisters, the 8.35 acres of waterfront property has served as the summer residence for almost 500 Sisters of St. Joseph members. The property includes seven structures consisting of four residences (one is 5,500 square feet, one is 2,900 square feet and the other two are both over 2,100 square feet), one cafeteria, one garage, and a pool shed.
"It provided the Sisters with a serene and peaceful haven on the enchanting northern shores of Lake Simcoe," McNally said.
"The Invermara property was used regularly by the congregation as a place for spiritual enrichment as well as offering space to their congregational ministries for reflection and planning."
The property was put on the market in September of 2023.
At the time, officials said they were seeking a new property owner who "appreciates the property's natural beauty, privacy, peace, and tranquility."
Offers on the property will be considered based on the purchaser's profile and intentions with the property, McNally told OrilliaMatters last fall.
She said the Sisters were looking for "another charity, non-profit organization, or another group or individual that can demonstrate a bold vision to ensure the property maintains a legacy and a continued social purpose."
She said the difficult decision to sell the property came after "careful discernment, prayer, and reflection."
It appears those prayers have been answered.
Sister Georgette Gregory, congregational leader of the Sisters of St. Joseph, says she is "delighted" the Archdiocese of Toronto has purchased the property.
“It is heartening to know this property will live on in a similar spirit for years to come," she said.
Archdiocese of Toronto archbishop Francis Leo says the Invermara Court property is a "special place" and he's excited for its future.
"I pray that Invermara will provide a respite for our faith community where people can gather to reflect, rest, pray, enjoy fellowship and God’s creation in such a picturesque setting," he said.
The Archdiocese of Toronto is made up of about two million Catholics who worship at 225 parishes, with mass celebrated in more than 30 languages each week. Canada’s largest diocese stretches from Toronto, north to Georgian Bay, and from Oshawa to Mississauga.
According to Peter Davies, the senior vice president and sales
"If it had been open to developers, it would certainly have been higher," he said of the price tag.
"The interest level from non-profits and charities was immense."
