November 2024 Update
Our preliminary application to rezone and subdivide a portion of our property for sale was submitted to the District of North Vancouver in February 2024 and formally accepted for review in August. Detailed feedback is anticipated in coming weeks, to be followed by a detailed planning application responding to the District’s feedback. Additionally, Colliers have been engaged to market the two future residential lots. The Property Development Committee expects we should benefit from improving real estate market conditions in 2025.
Design drawings for the original floorplan presented at Vestry (Option A) have been completed and were costed with external advice. As this option was found to exceed the budget, a new floorplan that stays substantially within the existing Sanctuary building footprint is being developed. This new plan features two variants: C-1, which serves as the base case for design and costing, and C-2, which includes a new lounge space where the covered walkway sits between the sanctuary west wall and the Memorial Garden. To enhance the structural integrity of the building, for both options the existing glulam timber beams in our Sanctuary space will be reinforced, eliminating the need for an expensive external roof support structure. The next steps will involve inviting contractors to provide layout advice and indicative costing of the C-1 Option (and an estimate for the C-2 Option for planning purposes).
Project expenditures are currently on budget for the 2024 work, although costs for architectural services may exceed initial estimates due to redesign efforts made to reduce overall costs. As of the end of September, total available funds amounted to approximately $280,203, excluding current invoices to be paid and funds pledged over time and not yet received. The remaining funds for activities planned in 2024-2025 are projected to be around $212,000.
Our preliminary application for possible Federal Government funding under the GC Wood program was accepted in August. In October, we submitted a detailed application requesting $350,000 for feasibility studies and $1 million to support construction. A response is expected by the end of 2024. If successful, this funding will enable us to enhance the energy and conservation aspects of the design.
Business planning is underway to develop a post-construction business plan for the new design as well as a transition plan to address operating costs and rental incomes during the expected period of construction. The PDC is also exploring the costs and benefits of implementing the project in phases.
Looking ahead, there will be an information session for the congregation after the Soul Food Sunday service on Sunday, 3rd November to supplement this update and provide more detail about the Option C-1 and C-2 designs. This will be followed by detailed consultations with Parish Council and the congregation in January 2025, prior to Vestry.