In 1964 the Jesuits negotiated an agreement between the Upper Canadian Province of Jesuits and the Government of Ontario whereby the historic site of Sainte-Marie and adjoining land on the south side of highway 12 were leased to the Provincial Government for 100 years for a consideration of one dollar. In turn the Government undertook the rebuilding and operation of Sainte-Marie.

The recreated Saint-Marie site was designed to allow students and visitors an opportunity to step back in time and to experience the life in the early 17th century. It was designed to activate a deeper sense of learning, consciousness and understanding of a moment in history that marks one of the most important times in the formation of modern Canada.