An open letter to the Old Ottawa South community dated 9 November 2020.
Over the coming weeks you may notice some additional activity at Southminster United Church. The planned renovation and rejuvenation of the church will finally begin. Southminster has been working with local firm CH2 Architecture on the design and has recently engaged Bradford Construction Limited as the general contractor for the project. The renovations will include:
- A total overhaul of the basement with new office spaces and meeting rooms
- A new heating system
- New universal and gender-neutral washrooms
- A new lift at the southeast Aylmer Avenue entrance
- A new walkway and ramp at the southeast Aylmer Avenue entrance
The design was developed so that Southminster can continue to offer a safe and welcoming space for worship, concerts, outreach, fellowship and many more activities that you have associated with the church.
To be clear, this renovation is not the same as the Windmill ‘Stone Abbey’ condominium and townhouse project. Southminster’s renovations need to be completed before the western wing of the church can be vacated and the Windmill project can begin.
The Southminster renovation project has a target completion date of early spring 2021. While these renovations are taking place, Southminster will strive to continue with as many activities as possible while, of course, taking into consideration any and all restrictions on gathering related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The vast majority of the work will be indoors, so disruption around Southminster should be minimal.
Southminster has been part of Old Ottawa South for almost 90 years and while the changes to the property will decrease our physical footprint, we hope that it does not lessen our service to the community.
Craig Piche is the Chair of the Finance and Property Committee at Southminster United Church.