Former church in Waterloo will not become an art hub

The interior of St. Columba Anglican Church in Waterloo, Ont., was photographed on June 18, 2025. (Alexandra Holyk/CTV News)

Despite a push from local artists, a former church in Waterloo will not become a new hub for creativity.

St. Columba Anglican Church has been sitting empty for several months, so a non-profit known as ArtsBuild Ontario asked council to sign a three-year lease to give artists a place to express their creativity and work on projects.

At a meeting on Monday, Waterloo councillors decided not to pursue that option.

The city purchased the church for $2.9 million in February. It planned on using the site for local arts programming, before eventually turning it into affordable housing. Several delegates spoke to council Monday night, advocating for the artistic approach.

“Lincoln Heights has so many talented artists who are just waiting for the opportunity to rent space and offer lessons and classes,” Wendy Ridgway, a representative for the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Group, said in support of the arts hub. “The residents of Lincoln Heights are ready and waiting to be part of this outstanding initiative.”

Residents, she added, were aware of the city’s long-term plan for the former church but were trying to stay positive.

“There is real fear that housing will change not only the look, but the feel of our community. Ward 5 neighbours in Uptown Waterloo and the impact of increased traffic in Lincoln Heights weighs heavy on our minds,” she said.

“A commitment was made in February that has not only been broken, but equity-deserving communities have been pitted against each other in a game of arts versus housing,” Kitchener resident Teneile Warren said while advocating for investment in the arts.

Ultimately, council did not approve the lease agreement from ArtsBuild Ontario.

“The long-term intention for this site has always been to support a future affordable housing development. Staff will return in the fall with a report on the next phase of the process towards that affordable housing use,” a release from the city said.

With reporting from Alexandra Holyk