Touring the Marie-Soleil Catholic Elementary School

MPP Stephen Blais examining the municipal infrastructure around the new Marie-Soleil Catholic Elementary School.

The Marie-Soleil Catholic Elementary School is opening its doors to students in September 2026 and for many families in Orléans, it represents much more than just a building. It’s poised to become a vibrant hub for learning, community and francophone culture along the edge of rural Ottawa.

Thank you to M. Marc Bertrand, Director, Mme Annik Rouse, Principal, and Mme Karyne Chamberland, Stakeholder Relations, for a warm welcome and providing me with a stellar tour of the new facility.

As Orléans continues to expand rapidly, families are seeking access to quality French-language education close to home. This new Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre‑Est (CECCE) school will help meet that demand by accommodating 412 students from kindergarten to Grade 6.

Interest has already been strong with 250 students already registered for the fall, a clear sign of both the need and excitement surrounding the school.

In addition to classroom spaces, Marie‑Soleil will offer 49 daycare spots, supporting working families and making the school a true community cornerstone from early childhood to the elementary years.

The name “Marie‑Soleil” evokes warmth, light and positive francophone energy, fitting for a school that aims to nurture young learners and shine as a centre of francophone education in Orléans.

Schools like this do more than just teach curriculum. They help preserve language, culture and identity. Marie‑Soleil will join the broader CECCE family in strengthening French Catholic education across Ottawa’s east end.

The school’s development didn’t happen overnight. It reflects years of planning and advocacy from community leaders and elected officials. Notably, MPP Stephen Blais played a significant role in the planning process while serving as City Councillor for the Mer Bleue expansion area, helping bring attention to the need for new school infrastructure in Orléans’ growing neighbourhoods.

This collaborative effort between municipal and provincial stakeholders highlights how community voices can shape lasting investments in our community.

Opening day promises to be something special. Beloved Franco‑Ontarian entertainer Suzanne Pinel (Marie-Soleil) is set to attend and perform for students, a memorable way to welcome children into their new school environment and celebrate francophone culture in a fun and engaging way.

Moments like this help build a sense of belonging from the very first day.

While the school represents a major step forward, it also highlights ongoing infrastructure needs in the area. Located near the border of rural Ottawa, the site still requires further investment from the City of Ottawa in street lighting nearby, safe pedestrian pathways to the school and surrounding neighbourhood, and active transportation connections to the community and surrounding nature.

As families begin to access the school daily, these improvements will be critical to ensuring student safety and accessibility, especially for those walking, biking and bussing.

The Marie-Soleil Catholic Elementary School is more than just a new school, it’s an important milestone for Orléans. It reflects a growing and dynamic community, a commitment to French-language education, and the power of collaboration across all levels of government.

When the doors open in September 2026, hundreds of students will step into bright classrooms filled with so much possibility. And for many families, Marie‑Soleil will quickly become not just a place of learning, but a place that they proudly call their community hub.