Is the parish perishing?: Mixed-use church redevelopments
Subject
Abstract
Churches are a significant part of both the physical and social infrastructure of Canadian
cities. While church properties are privately owned, and Church congregations are
religiously motivated, their actions are not insular but impact the surrounding community.
This thesis examines the emerging trend of mixed-use church redevelopments in British
Columbia. Interviews were conducted with developers, Church administrators and city
planners who were involved in four different mixed-use church redevelopment projects in
BC. The focus is on the process used by Churches undertaking redevelopment, the
reasons behind the redevelopment of property and the impact these developments have
on the surrounding community outside of the Church. Findings indicate that Churches
redevelop their property for both practical and spiritual reasons, and that a Church's
capacity may influence the process they undertake and the partners they choose to work
with. Also, in many cases the public space represented by church properties is decreased
through these projects.