Churches Reimagined: Addressing Edmonton’s Housing Crisis

Across Canada, places of worship are facing a dual crisis: dwindling attendance and increasing financial pressures. In Edmonton, faith institutions are now being urged to transform their roles from mere religious gatherings to vital community assets, particularly in addressing the city’s pressing housing shortage.

Many churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples have historically sought to attract new congregants. However, attendance has declined significantly, leading to concerns about the future viability of these structures. Edmonton’s city council is under pressure to find affordable housing solutions, yet proposals to fast-track urban infill projects have met resistance. Notably, a recent initiative to limit mid-block infill to six units per project was narrowly defeated by a single vote.

At a symposium held on March 12, 2024, by Releven, a national charity focused on repurposing under-utilized faith buildings, attendees discussed innovative approaches to utilize these spaces. Dr. Mike Wood Daly, Releven’s director of research, emphasized the importance of rethinking these sites. “Faith communities are the second largest landholders in Canada,” he stated. “The goal of our foundation is to keep these lands public and charitable.”

Research highlighted at the symposium revealed that of the 476 faith buildings in Edmonton, 144 are currently operating at a deficit. The pressing need for affordable housing has sparked discussions about whether these properties could serve as community hubs and residences.

Examples of successful adaptations already exist. For instance, a church in St. Boniface, Manitoba, has become a vibrant center for the local Vietnamese community, hosting night markets and fostering engagement. “We need cities to see them as assets rather than relics in society,” Dr. Wood Daly said.

The societal value of faith buildings is substantial. Each year, the approximately 27,000 such structures across Canada generate an estimated $18 billion in charitable economic benefits, providing crucial services from shelter for the homeless to recreational activities. Losing even a third of these congregations could mean a loss of $6 billion in charitable impact, which would place additional strain on community resources.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) sponsored the symposium, marking its fourth such event in Canada. Dr. Wood noted an encouraging trend of support from civic and provincial governments, particularly in Alberta, where a population boom has intensified housing demands.

Yet, the challenge remains to persuade aging congregations to embrace change. Dave Harder, Releven’s director of placemaking, remarked, “Some are still hanging on for young people to come back.” Many congregations are failing to meet their potential as community partners. With limited open hours and shrinking attendance, the question arises: can these buildings truly be considered community hubs?

In Montreal, a former Anglican church, St. Jax, has successfully transformed into a community hub, hosting multiple congregations and various community events throughout the week. Similarly, in Regina, the city council removed the historic designation from St. Matthew Anglican Church, allowing for its redevelopment into supportive housing for Indigenous residents. Harder pointed out that this shift represents a vital step towards reconciliation.

Edmonton has seen positive outcomes from similar collaborations. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church partnered with Right at Home Housing Society to create 11 housing units, including accommodations for disabled residents. In 2017, a collaboration between Westmount Presbyterian Church and Right at Home resulted in the construction of 16 townhouses for newcomer families, addressing urgent housing needs while revitalizing the church.

While some congregations are open to the idea of redevelopment, others prefer to utilize their existing land for additional housing rather than demolishing their buildings. Devin Tu from Affordable360 noted the potential of faith sites in urban cores, emphasizing the importance of creative solutions during this housing crisis.

Architect Tai Ziola highlighted that faith buildings can help ease community concerns about increased density. Historically, these sites have accommodated large gatherings with ample parking, suggesting that they could serve as suitable locations for new housing projects.

Financing these initiatives remains a challenge. Sandie Price, a CMHC specialist, mentioned the availability of numerous creative financing solutions, from community bonds to innovative funding models that align with faith-based organizations’ values. The goal is to leverage these properties effectively to meet community needs without compromising their spiritual significance.

As Canadian cities grapple with housing shortages, the call for faith-based property owners to embrace innovative solutions has never been more urgent. The potential for churches and other places of worship to evolve into community-centric spaces offers a unique opportunity to address pressing social issues while preserving their historical and cultural significance.

The dialogue initiated at the Releven symposium marks a critical step towards reimagining the role of faith buildings in urban settings, ensuring they remain integral to the social fabric of communities.