Is the parish perishing?: Mixed-use church redevelopments

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Issue Date

2020-03

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Baugh, Stephen

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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.

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