Events

On Sunday, May 24th, our congregation celebrated the Anniversary of our church. So much history over the past 156 years of Friendship. Daryl and Rev. Alan asked us to look backwards into time to recognize the achievements accomplished, and acknowledge the challenges overcome by the many people involved in our church history. Our guest speaker Rev. Paul Reed asked us if we can be as great in faith as those who gifted us with this moment, and to those in the future? He encouraged us to be daring and move boldly forward. Be a "rocking" church, and plunge our paddle deep in our faith.

Archeological Assessment site photo.

Archeological Assessment photo depicting the former foundation of a Blacksmith's shop.

Update May 25, 2026 on Development Beside Our Church

The Archaeology physical work should be done by end of this week. Then they need to write up the report which could take 1-2 weeks. Then submission to the Ministry occurs.

Once the physical dig work is completed and the report is available, TVM , by agreement ,will take it to the city to request permission to take CEC down while we are awaiting the Ministry response. Hopefully TVM will be permitted to begin excavation in the rear of the property as well while waiting for permit.

Response to the site plan comment letter should be ready within a week or so for re-submission and permit submission date is now the middle of June. Based on that timeline, TVM hopes for a permit to be issued by the end of August. That would be for a full permit encompassing all the work .Hopefully the city will provide TVM with an excavation permit in July to allow for work as set out above.

Separately, once the CEC is down, we ( TVM & MSU #2C ) can complete the severance for the property. That would allow for TVM to exercise their option to close the transaction, take ownership of the CEC lands and transfer the 4 condos to the church. I would be happy to see that happen in August but it is dependant on the above as well. Once transferred, the church will be responsible to manage the condos. We can easily use a third party, but quite honestly, I think the church should manage it on its own as TVM will always be available to assist if a need arises.

Daryl

Update on Development Beside Our Church

City Council has approved the application for a 17-storey apartment building by TVM on the property next to our church. After considerable debate, the vote was 7–4 in favour of the proposal. Both those supporting and opposing the application pointed to the City’s Official Plan, but in the end, consistency with the Plan carried the day.

While a few minor details remain, they are expected to be resolved in due course.

This project is significant for our community. It represents both growth and opportunity. A development of this scale will contribute substantially to the City’s tax base—an estimated $500,000 annually where none existed before. To put that in perspective: five similar projects would add about $2 million in revenue, equivalent to roughly 1% of the City’s tax base, with little increase in operating costs.

The City has emphasized that the Hunter Street property aligns with the goal of creating walkable neighbourhoods and meets the Province’s growth strategy. As the CAO noted, this kind of development is essential for our community’s future.

Understandably, some concerns were raised during the public process. Many reflected the challenges of shifting perspectives on housing. Today, fewer people can afford a $700,000 home or want to take on a 30-year mortgage. Rental housing of this nature helps provide stability for the next generation.

This project may well act as a catalyst for further development, offering long-term benefits to the city as a whole. While local issues can feel pressing, it is worth remembering the broader picture: we live in complex times, and thoughtful, innovative solutions are needed to serve our communities well.

As economist, Friedrich Hayek, observed in the 1930s, “When east becomes west and west becomes east, the world will be in turmoil.” His words remind us that change is a constant—and meeting it with creativity and courage is part of our calling.

Daryl Bennett