A church in Burnaby's Edmonds neighbourhood could be developed into a 45-storey rental tower with money from the B.C. government.
The development would replace the gathering space at the Neighbourhood Church, formerly known as Southside Community Church, at 7135 Walker Ave. and 7244 Arcola St. and become "a ministry hub program space, retail, and arts centre with a theatre for community concerts and performances," according to a provincial press release.
The project would include 430 homes.
As the development is contingent on approval from city council, the province is not releasing the full details, including the total cost, BC Housing grants or financing from BC Builds.
The province said it will make the details public after the project moves through the rezoning and financial approvals processes.
The development was announced as a BC Builds project, a provincial program intended to "speed up the development of new homes for middle-income working people," according to its website.
The program aims to build units with rents that are "attainable" for people making an income of:
- $84,780 to $131,950 for a studio or one-bedroom home
- $134,410 to $191,910 for a two-bedroom home or larger
The Neighbourhood Church offers services including a food pantry, neighbourhood table, an outreach centre, emergency weather response shelter and more.
Cam Roxburgh, team leader at the Neighbourhood Church, said the team understands the Edmonds neighbourhood's needs and has dreamt of helping it flourish for 25 years.
"By partnering with BC Builds and the City of Burnaby, this dream is better than we'd imagined and will make a difference for generations to come," Roxburgh said in the release.
"The housing is phenomenal, and the ministry space is so needed in our neighbourhood – finally, we'll have space specifically designed with programming in mind and to serve people well."
Construction on the project is anticipated to start in late 2025, if it receives council approval.
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