A joint bid is being pursued to preserve the history and heritage of a significant portion of the capital city’s downtown.

The Basilica Heritage Foundation, St. Bonaventure’s College and the St. Bon’s Forum Corporation are pursuing a joint bid for the purchase of the Basilica and a block of attached properties including St. Bon’s and the adjoining hockey rink.

The properties make up a significant portion of the compensation plan for victims of abuse at the former Mount Cashel Orphanage, and there are concerns that the cultural and historic significance of the National Historic Site could be lost if they are sold to private developers.

If the partnership is successful in acquiring the properties, it will allow the Basilica Heritage Foundation to maintain and preserve the Basilica as a faith, heritage and cultural centre, and continue to run it as the parish for the St. John’s city centre. It will also allow St. Bon’s to operate as a private school and preserve the historic St. Bon’s hockey rink.