The Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix Elementary School, located on Montreal's South Shore, has been shut down indefinitely after the discovery of significant mould contamination within the building. The closure was announced on December 4, 2025, with immediate effect, forcing a major disruption for students, parents, and staff.
Immediate Closure and Health Concerns
School officials and health authorities made the decision to close the school following an inspection that confirmed the presence of mould. The specific type and extent of the mould have not been publicly detailed, but the finding was deemed serious enough to warrant the immediate evacuation of the premises to protect the health of children and employees. Exposure to certain moulds can lead to respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and other health problems, particularly in sensitive individuals.
The news was first reported by CTV News journalist Swidda Rassy. The school, which serves the local community on the South Shore, is now empty as remediation plans are formulated. Parents were notified promptly about the closure and the impending relocation of their children.
Plans for Student Relocation
A primary focus for the school board is ensuring the continuity of education for all affected students. Authorities have confirmed that plans are underway to relocate students to alternative facilities while the mould issue at Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix is assessed and remediated. The logistics of this move, including transportation and the integration of students into new temporary classrooms, are being coordinated.
It remains unclear how long the remediation process will take or what the total cost will be. The closure highlights ongoing challenges with infrastructure maintenance in some school buildings and the critical importance of indoor air quality for student and staff wellbeing.
Community Impact and Next Steps
The sudden closure has undoubtedly caused concern and inconvenience for many families. Parents are left seeking immediate childcare solutions and reassurance about their children's educational progress. The school board is expected to provide regular updates on the cleanup process and a potential timeline for reopening.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for school administrations across the region to prioritize regular building inspections and proactive maintenance. The health and safety of students must always come first, even when it leads to difficult decisions like an emergency school closure.
As of now, the Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix Elementary School remains closed, with its future reopening entirely dependent on the successful and complete eradication of the mould problem. The community now waits for further instructions and hopes for a swift resolution.
