Campus Redevelopment Update #1
How do I keep informed? Get Involved?
There are 5 work groups involved in specific topics. Starting September 15 the Planning Committee will host 5 special Sunday forums. For information and participation: Planning Committee: Gordon Gram (gordongram@me.com) Michael Clague (mclague@telus.net).
Campus Redevelopment Update #2
Why redevelop?
Concerned about long-term financial sustainability, the board in November 2016 established a planning committee to explore redeveloping part of the campus (while retaining ownership) with non-market rental housing to generate additional revenues. A business plan is underway to determine if these objectives can be met, for decision in November 2019.
For information and participation: Gordon Gram (gordongram@me.com) Michael Clague (mclague@telus.net).
Campus Redevelopment Update #3
To redevelop or not?
The business plan at the AGM November 17 will be deciding whether not to proceed. Two other groups are examining alternatives to redevelopment: retaining/improving Hewett Centre (Buildings and Grounds Committee); exploring expanded sources of revenue (Keith Wilkinson).
For information and participation: Gordon Gram (gordongram@me.com) Michael Clague (mclague@telus.net).
Campus Redevelopment Up-Date: #4
Why now?
55 years ago members of this church made the most important decision they could: to buy property at 49th and Oak. Now a similar decision is at hand with our AGM on November 17; whether or not to build non-market rental housing and a new Hewett Centre for the financial security of UCV for the next 50 years. 5 special forums planned starting September 15 sponsored by the Planning Committee and Circle of Concern.
For information and participation: Gordon Gram (gordongram@me.com) Michael Clague (mclague@telus.net).
Campus Redevelopment Up-Date #5
What is the redevelopment package?
A 95 unit, 6 story, non-market rental housing, 50% to accommodate families; a new Hewett Centre (financed out of the project). The package is to generate a growing revenue stream for the church into the future.
For information and participation: Gordon Gram (gordongram@me.com) Michael Clague (mclague@telus.net).
Campus Redevelopment Up-Date #6
What are the concerns?
Timing is bad: we will be recruiting a new minister; volunteer and staff resources will be over-stretched; carrying on during construction. What about just up-grading the Hewett Centre? Members can get involved in these and other issues with 5 member work groups and 5 special Sunday forums sponsored by the Planning Committee starting September 15th. For information and participation: Gordon Gram (gordongram@me.com) Michael Clague (mclague@telus.net).
Campus Redevelopment Up-Date #7
What stage is redevelopment at?
The City has given support in principle to apply for rezoning for non-market rental housing and a new Hewett Centre subject to discussions that include the Hornbeam Trees on 49th Avenue and potential up-grades for the heritage – designated Sanctuary. The board will bring a recommendation to the November 17th AGM.
For information and participation: Gordon Gram (gordongram@me.com) Michael Clague (mclague@telus.net).
Campus Redevelopment Up-Date #8
If we decide to redevelop, how do we maintain church programs during a 2.5 year construction period possibly starting Spring 2022?
A transition plan with costs is being developed by John Boyle, Elliott Dainow, and Connie Wigmore.
Campus Redevelopment Up-Date #9
What is the vision?
The following statement was approved in the proposal to prepare a business plan for redevelopment by 64% of members in attendance at the 2018 ExtraOrdinary General Meeting:
At this mid-century point of its life, our vision for the campus of the Unitarian Church of Vancouver for the next 50 years is that of a compelling, beautiful, intergenerational home for Unitarians to worship and to celebrate, one respectful of the original design, one that provides an affordable place to live for a cross-section of our community, and a place for all Vancouverites to gather for spiritual enquiry, to enjoy arts and culture, and to engage in dialogue and action on matters of social justice and the environment.