Following the successful Community Town Hall held on September 11th, there are 2 processes taking place concurrently in support of Phase 2 Re-Imagining of Collier Street United Church [CSUC]:

1 – Further exploration of viability of the Community Hub Model

Feedback received from Community Members during the Community Town Hall clearly provided CSUC with a broad mandate and strong level of trust to approach many solutions to the challenges.  There was virtually no pushback to further pursue new housing and much encouragement for deeper density.  The community wishes to ensure other missional work continues to exist alongside (i.e. Community Hub). Community Members gathered were broadly supportive and enthusiastic.

Over the next month or so, Kendra Fry of Reléven [formerly Trinity Centres Foundation], will further explore potential partnerships and synergies that emerged during the Community Town Hall.  More information will be available after Kendra’s work is completed.

2 – Expression of Interest [EOI] to be shared with Potential Development Partners
The purpose of the Expression of Interest is to ascertain redevelopment interest in CSUC, aligned with the values of our Church community that currently calls the property home. We are looking to engage with a real estate development partner with the objective of creating a sustainable revenue stream and community hub that aligns with neighbourhood needs and congregational mission.  CSUC is willing to be creative and flexible on the type of use(s).

Our primary objectives are as follows:

 1.  Create a stable and long-term revenue stream for the benefit of the current congregation and the ongoing mission of the Church;
 2.  Create a community hub with equity seeking groups;
 3.  Engage in community impact through addressing the current affordable housing crisis, demonstrating environmental responsibility, while supporting the community.

What is the value to the developer partner:
The developer partner can secure an attractive site in an incredible market node. Flexible terms and conditions are available to support a reimagined solution. As a joint venture, the property provides significant equity into the project at the outset. Our faith community is active and engaged, and willing to be supporters of the right project.

What are our priorities:

• Community impact
• Addressing the affordable housing crisis
• Sustainable Church mission

Over the next month, Developer Partners will be invited to submit their interest in a creative partnership where both the developer, and our faith community, can truly flourish and benefit from this collaboration.  A short-list of potential Developer Partners will be interviewed by Dave Harder of Reléven and David Chong of Nidea Partners, along with Laurie Crosson and Lianne Patterson, Co-Chairs of our Re-Imagining Task Force.  More information is expected within the next few months and we will share updates as things progress.

Please remember that we are currently exploring potential Phase 2 options for Collier, as approved by the congregation. All alternatives will be thoroughly examined, and options will be presented to congregation members for decision-making once the exploration is complete. Thank you for your continued engagement.

Thank you to CSUC congregation members who took the time to review the schematics and the flipchart notes gathered from Community Town Hall participants which were in the church hall  Sunday September 15th following worship.  Thanks to Anne Snell and the coffee team who shifted coffee hour to the church hall so this review could easily take place.  We appreciate your flexibility!

Questions!
If you have any questions about the September 11 Town Hall meeting or these next concurrent Phase 2 Re-Imagining Processes, please reach out to Laurie, Lianne or Hewitt at any time.