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  Our last update about the re-development project was provided at our AGM on March 5th, 2023.  At that time we shared with the congregation the incremental progress made during 2022 and the ongoing challenge we were facing as a project focused on RHUC becoming a Centre for Community and the Arts without a housing component, which was making funding access challenging.  

Taking a step back:   In April 2022 we presented to the congregation at our AGM about the UPRC Preliminary Re-development concept introduction:   1. Maintain and enhance the heritage sanctuary and centennial hall 2. New-build cultural and community spaces (removing the existing former CD Building now known as the Village Commons)   Our commitment to proactive preparation in 2023 for pre-development was:   - Undertaking 5 year financial projections (completed) - preparing for a Capital Campaign (begun) - Live into being a vibrant faith community and “A Centre for Community and the Arts” (ongoing) - Honour our history and stories - Learn from other congregations that have gone through re-development - Communication, communication, communication … 

Current update: On April 20th, RHUC Re-Development Team (Karen Dale, Jane Wedlock, Jane Ridout, Ken Dunn and Doug Loweth) met on Zoom with staff from Kindred Works and Savira, Capital and Cultural Consultants.  We were encouraged to learn that indeed the RHUC project has been the focus of effort and significant conversation between KIndred Works, the United Church Foundation and Shining Waters Regional Council to try and move the project forward on the condition that RHUC make an initial financial contribution to the project.  

It was pointed out that RHUC has already made a significant financial investment through our earlier work with SHS Consulting and that we have been engaged and committed to our vision for this project for over 5 years.  A summary of this work undertaken by RHUC has been sent to Kindred Works.   

RHUC also highlighted the urgent need for information to prioritize building maintenance in the short term as well as long-term heritage revitalization and associated costing.

RHUC received information about proposed next steps and costs for moving the project forward.    Please see download at the bottom of this page.

At the RHUC Board meeting on May 10th, after a presentation by Jane Ridout on behalf of the Redevelopment Team,  the Board approved up to $23,500 from the Special Gifts Fund to cover Phase 1 of the project which would be undertaken by the architect to provide a cost estimate for the new building and an information package that would be instrumental in providing essential information about the scope of the project for various stakeholders.  It is anticipated that this work would take a month to complete. The additional amount was also included to cover the estimated costs and priorities associated with heritage building maintenance work - the costing to be undertaken by ERA Architects who are partnering with Kindred Works. 

We are aware that some of the proposed work in the quote by ERA Architects has been covered by the FCAPX Facilities Condition Assessment that was completed in 2019 and are continuing to negotiate with respect to the scope of work and associated costs.   We continue to press for confirmation of financial commitments from other UCC entities and a timeline for formalizing the partnership with Kindred Works.  We continue to negotiate and move forward in good faith that this re-development work is where RHUC is being called to be in the heart of Richmond Hill. 

Please pray for those involved in the leadership of this project at RHUC and for those in the wider church and beyond who are supporting such ambitious initiatives.   Any question, please contact Jane Wedlock jane.wedlock2@gmail.com or other members of the Re-Development Team