FBCH has been a significant part of the Halifax community since its beginnings in 1827. As the congregation prepares to enter its third century of ministry and mission in Halifax, we are striving to ensure our financial sustainability so that we can continue to be advocates for justice-love as we strive to follow in the Way of Jesus.
To that end, in 2019 we launched our Property Redevelopment Committee. Milestones along the way include:
June 2019: Convened Committee and began work with CBRE
In the first year of the project, we took time to understand the opportunities and challenges presented by our property. We met with city councillors and staff, architects, planners, and neighbourhood institutions. We also sought to understand how a development might resonate with our congregational values. One of the most challenging questions was whether to associate the land with our mission, or go to market and entrust the congregation of today and generations to come with using resources to support our long-term ministry and mission.
April 2022: Development opportunity taken to market
The market opportunity included both our parsonage land and the back portion of our building, known as the Christian Education wing. While CBRE managed the market process, the congregation continued work on planning for a reduced footprint, including plans to transition all our facilities off of fossil fuel energy as part of our ecological commitments.
December 2022: Congregation voted to enter into a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Parsonage Land
With the decision to only sale the parsonage land, the congregation continued discerning how best to use its Christian Education building. Conversations began with our neighbour, Armbrae Academy, about leasing approximately 9,000 square feet of space (about 1/3 of our facility).
June 2024: Congregation voted to enter into a lease deal with Armbrae Academy for two floors of our Christian Education building
The tenancy deal with Armbrae began a multiple phase renovation of our building to ensure it meets the needs of our church and community for generations to come. A significant part of this project was an electrical upgrade that will allow for the transition away from fossil fuel energy.
January 2025: FBCH sanctuary building receives heritage designation by Halifax
The heritage designation will help ensure the congregation’s long term presence in Halifax. We believe it is central to our mission that we remain in the city and continue to provide a place for worship, reflection, and community–including a place for nonprofit community groups who use our facilities at no or reduced cost.
If you have questions or comments about the proposed development, please contact the co-chairs of our Property Redevelopment Committee at property@fbchalifax.ca.