The proposed major redevelopment of a church in Burnaby, B.C., has moved further along in the municipal-approval process.

The city’s planning and development department has endorsed the project and advises council to consider it for approval. A mixed-use development application has been filed with the city.

The B.C. government, Vancouver-based Gracorp and the church’s congregation are partnering on the project.

If all goes according to plan, the two-building project would a tower containing market and below-market rental apartments, a new place of worship and a six-storey community hub containing an auditorium, retail space, a food bank and other community-service spaces. Now known as the Neighbourhood Church, the site was constructed in 1912.

The church appears likely to be demolished but the new one could include some of the original building’s components, according to the city.

The application indicates that the proposed tower could be taller, and contain more suites, than originally expected, as province and Gracorp are seeking approval of a 50-storey containing 480 purpose-built rental units, including 96 offered at below-market rents

The provincial government previously announced plans to develop a 45-storey tower through the new BC Builds program, which provides low-interest loans for builders to develop rental homes for middle-income individuals, families and seniors. If the project is completed, it would be the first BC Builds development in Burnaby.

The Neighbourhood Church, formerly known as Southside Community Church, is located at 7135 Walker Avenue and 7244 Arcola Street, and has provided the land for the project.

The province initially voiced plans to begin construction in late 2025, pending the development application’s approval and financial approvals. But the project may be hard pressed to meet that goal.

Photo: Mufc.ca

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