This is actually the church that is attached to Margot's school, but ironically not the one that I take Margot to, one's a month (I baptized her Anglican for extra spice)!
On our way home from Westfest yesterday, I noticed just how big the church is. It's head and shoulders taller than all the neighbouring building and because its set back on a little hill it seems extra prominent.
There are still services here although I'm not sure how occupied they are. On the one hand, the recent influx of African French-speaking refugees to our neighbourhood has probably bolstered the pews. On the other hand, west Ottawa isn't really a hub of French Catholicism.
Even though I don't go to this Church, I like how it anchors the area. Landmarks do that. I like how they link me to the past, like Hubert and Sarah Tapp, who were the last of the original parishioners and died in 1948. If I went back in time 100 years ago, it'd still be there!
If the church was bulldozed for another condo I think it would be a real loss for the neighbourhood. I can only imagine what it felt like to be in France and watch Notre Dame catch fire. Luckily, one thing that I like about Hintonburg is the prominent community association and support for local heritage. We're changing, condos are being built, and the area is continuing on its path towards gentrification, but I think we've struck a decent balance.
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