From left to right: Yasir Naqvi, M.P. for Ottawa Centre; Lyne Michaud, Chair of the Board of Governors; Mona Fortier, MP for Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester; Georgette Whiteduck, Coordinator of the Indigenous Centre; Louis Patrick Leroux, Rector; Rose Wawatie-Beaudoin, Elder from the Algonquins of Barriere Lake; Honourable Marie-Paule Charette-Poulin, Parliamentarian in Residence; and Father Jacques Laliberté, o.m.i., Provincial of the Missionnaires Oblats de Marie Immaculée, Notre-Dame-du-Cap.
Today, Saint Paul University held an intimate groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on the Chantal Beauvais Courtyard, the inner courtyard of Guigues Hall.
Development of the courtyard has been made possible thanks to a generous in-kind donation from the Ozerdinc Grimes family. Their contribution has supported the physical development of the space, including architectural design, technical specifications and construction work.
“The renewal of the Chantal Beauvais Courtyard will transform an important campus gathering space into a place that more fully reflects Saint Paul University’s values of reconciliation, community, and learning,” shared Louis Patrick Leroux, Rector of Saint Paul University. “By integrating a healing garden and an outdoor amphitheatre, we are creating new opportunities for reflection, dialogue, and education for both our campus and the wider community.”
The courtyard will be transformed into two distinct but complementary spaces. At one end, a healing garden — attached to the Indigenous Centre — will be dedicated to the cultivation of traditional medicinal plants, serving as a space for healing, well-being, reconciliation and connection. At the other end, a natural amphitheatre will offer a unique setting for outdoor lectures and serve as an event venue for both the University and the broader Old Ottawa East community.
Named in honour of former rector Chantal Beauvais, the courtyard’s new design reflects the passions that defined her 14-year tenure. During her leadership, Dr. Beauvais oversaw the development of innovative academic offerings, the creation of the Indigenous Centre and championed the University’s ongoing work of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples – an issue that remains close to her heart.
Work on the courtyard will officially begin in Spring 2027.
