Community Voices Concerns Over Housing on Church Property

Residents in the Westvale neighborhood of Waterloo, Ont., are expressing their worries about the city’s plan to potentially use church land for housing.

The city has pinpointed 14 church properties larger than 0.4 hectares that might be rezoned for residential options like a six‑storey apartment building or stacked townhouses. The churches would continue to operate at these locations.

Adam Lauder, the community planning manager for the City of Waterloo, mentioned they are just starting this process and considering it as a proactive step.

“We’re at the front end on this and we’re looking to explore providing land use flexibility for those faith-based organizations so that they could, if they wished, it’s not a requirement, accommodate additional housing or third spaces, community spaces, if they wanted to,” Lauder told .

Using church properties for housing isn’t a new idea in various communities across Canada. Several churches in the area have already started adding residential units on their grounds.

Lauder noted that many churches throughout North America are facing declining attendance and incorporating housing is one way to sustain their operations.

“There is a movement afoot to help them realize that potential and remove the barriers of zone changes and land use permission requests that can be complicated for them,” Lauder said.

An informal public meeting is set for 6:30 p. m. ET at city hall on Monday.

WATCH | Westvale neighbours in Waterloo share their concerns:

Idea of housing on church land sparks concern from this Waterloo neighbourhood

People living in Westvale are raising alarms about a proposal from the city that could introduce housing on church property. The city has identified 14 church lots it might proactively rezone to permit low-rise developments up to six storeys or stacked townhouses if desired by the churches. However, residents feel there hasn’t been enough consultation or attention to public safety regarding potential construction on these sites. The city states they’re still early in the process with consultations beginning now.

Residents Push Back Against Proposal

<p The city's plan has faced backlash from residents near some of the listed churches.

Neighbors in Westvale expressed shock over how the proposed rezoning was handled and believe there hasn’t been adequate communication with affected communities.

“The community has been stressing that they feel like someone just came into their backyard trying to make changes on something that isn’t theirs with no notice,” said Natasha Harinko, who lives close to Church of God, one of the identified churches.

“We want an opportunity to be heard [and] address our concerns.”

Harinko is part of a larger local group that’s gathered over 200 signatures against the city’s approach through a petition and lawn signs. The group is also handing out flyers containing contact details for city officials along with QR codes aimed at encouraging more local involvement.

The neighborhood is also anxious about traffic issues and public safety if development occurs on these properties.

“Do we need low-rise buildings back here? This is a community of just homes and two-storey houses and this isn’t a community that already has that,” she said.

“The area that is green space belongs to the church but it’s also our local park. We come here with our pets and kids. It’s the biggest green space in this neighborhood.”

Natasha Harinko is part of a larger Westvale neighborhood group opposing Waterloo’s proposal to rezone 14 church properties for potential low-rise development should those churches choose to build later. (Carmen Groleau/CBC)

Jake Wiede, pastor at Church of God, shared with his understanding of why locals are worried; he too fears future pressure from the city for more housing options.

“I don’t know if this is being given as an option for congregations or if it’s something they’re going to eventually push for; I’m not sure,” he said.</P

Lauder mentioned they’ve had discussions with some churches prior to hosting public meetings while sending letters informing all 14 entities about this concept.</P

The goal is collecting feedback from both faith organizations and community members until fall when council will make its decision.</P

“If any of these 14 faith-based properties wish to opt-out from consideration, we’re happy to hear about it,” Lauder told CBC K-W’s The Morning Edition before Monday’s meeting.</P

A few residents from Lincoln Heights fear other neighborhoods might face similar situations as demolition work progresses at what used to be St. Columba Anglican Church.</P

The city bought this site intending it will host affordable housing despite not being among those selected for rezoning. Wendy Ridgway noted her group’s apprehensions may go unheard after last week’s meeting with representatives from City Hall.</P

“It was clear people only want two- or three-story buildings; it’s surrounded entirely by single-family homes-a request we want respected,” she remarked noting several listed churches fall within her ward.

Town Hall Meeting With Ward 1 Councillor

The Westvale coalition met last week with councillor Sandra Hanmer representing their interests concerning proposed rezoning plans amid timing issues highlighted earlier by citizens.”</P

“There are certainly concerns amongst constituents regarding notification timing hence we discussed ways they can effectively voice those worries,” Hanmer informed .</P

I’ve also gotten numerous emails about people’s feelings surrounding this issue-encouraging attendance at Monday’s gathering where opinions can be voiced freely.”</P

The informal setting allows attendees opportunities both ask questions while staff listen without decisions made yet.”</P

This Development Could Address Housing Shortages

Hanmer explained it’s important Waterloo looks into varied solutions through government initiatives like Housing Accelerator Fund established recently.” Lauder underscored how allowing types lower density constructions authorized under zoning revisions could tackle shortages relating “missing middle” categories pertinent family-sized options currently absent locally.” Lauder cited All Saints Anglican Church which developed seventy-six townhouse units alongside establishing new facilities accommodating communal activities increasing overall usage within neighborhoods.” He further highlighted efforts toward assisting seniors facing hurdles accessing suitable smaller residences facilitating smoother transitions between lifestyles varying according needs.” In conclusion supporting broader ranges diverse types connect residents helping settle comfortably growing population demands anticipated every day.”

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