Montreal’s Roman Catholic archdiocese has created a new real estate company to facilitate the redevelopment, development and sale of church properties.

The archdiocese announced the move Thursday.

Known by its French name Corporation Immobilière Catholique Romaine de Montréal (CICRM), the not-for-profit entity is dedicated to the strategic management of church properties with a focus on social impact and sustainable stewardship.

According to a news release, this marks the first time that a Roman Catholic archdiocese has created a non-profit subsidiary to leverage real estate development for community benefit and heritage preservation.

“This initiative of reimagining how our spaces can serve the common good reflects our commitment to fulfill our mission by deepening our engagement with society,” said Monseigneur Christian Lépine, Archbishop of Montreal.

CICRM will provide fabriques, the entities responsible for managing parish properties, with expert guidance in making informed decisions about their real estate. Acting as an intermediary between churches, municipalities, governments, and development partners, the organization will help navigate property sales and redevelopment while aiming to preserve heritage and address community needs.

With a dedicated team of specialists, CICRM will support fabriques through every stage of property redevelopment, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and industry best practices, said the archdiocese. CICRM will facilitate discussions with government bodies, oversee approvals, and manage the permitting process to create development solutions that respect both the past and the future of these religious spaces.

The archdiocese has appointed Stefano Marrone as CEO and general manager. Marrone has led the archdiocese’s real estate division since 2021, where he played a key role in developing its strategic framework and fostering collaborations to drive key projects. In his new role, he will guide CICRM’s strategic vision, develop high-level partnerships, and represent the organization to stakeholders, governments, and investors, supported by a team of internal and external advisors.

“This milestone is the culmination of years of collaboration, listening, and dedicated work with all our stakeholders,” said Marrone. “Our vision for CICRM is to empower each parish to approach the future of its church with confidence and peace of mind, ensuring that every project serves a tangible local social need.”

CICRM will assist parishes considering redevelopment, transformation, or sales projects. By leveraging its expertise, the organization aims to ensure that church properties continue to serve both the Catholic community and the broader society.

CICRM’s projects include the restoration of the Pointe-Claire Mill in Pointe-Claire, Que., to hold educational, cultural and tourist activities. Within the city limits, CICRM is converting the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer in Montreal into an event and cultural space and working to preserve Saint Odile Church’s architectural heritage.

The company’s aims coincide with a trend that has emerged in recent years whereby churches are redeveloping properties to help increase housing, especially for vulnerable populations and adapt to smaller congregations and historic building-renovation needs.

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