Local artists push to use vacant church in Waterloo, Ont., as creative hub

Could a vacant church in Waterloo answer the prayers of local artists? CTV’s Alexandra Holyk finds out.

One man’s church is another man’s treasure – at least, that’s what artists in Waterloo Region are hoping for.

St. Columba Anglican Church in Waterloo, Ont., has sat empty for several months, but a local non-profit known as ArtsBuild Ontario wants to turn it into a creative hub.

“St. Columba can unlock all of that potential,” said ArtsBuild executive director Alex Glass. “It’s an incredible opportunity for the artists, for the neighbourhood, and for the community at large.”

Earlier this year, ArtsBuild launched a pilot program called “Meanwhile Spaces,” which provides artists with free or low-rent facilities to pursue their projects. The program is hosted in two spaces so far – one in downtown Kitchener and another in Waterloo – and houses dozens of artists on a rotating basis.

“We have 50 artists on our roster who are looking for space,” said Glass.

The search for a space led ArtsBuild to 250 Lincoln Road. Back in February, the City of Waterloo purchased the church for $2.9 million with a plan to use the site for local arts programming, before eventually turning it into affordable housing.

“It’s community supported, it’s community initiated,” said Ward 5 Councillor Jen Vasic.

Decision deferred

On Monday, Waterloo city council deferred the decision to sign a three-year lease agreement with ArtsBuild, citing cost concerns. The deferral motion narrowly passed with a vote of 4-3 and was brought forward by Ward 4 Councillor Diane Freeman.

Freeman noted the agreement would have “financial implications” for the city.

“While we chose in February to dip into the reserve funds, the question now is was that the right thing to do?” Freeman asked.

As part of its $2.9 million purchase, the city allocated $500,000 to transform the space for artists and maintain operating costs.

Freeman also referenced her past stance on the future of St. Columba Church. She mentioned that she had not supported the motion in February, as she had preferred to see the area focused on affordable housing instead.

Vasic voted against the deferral, saying at the time she was “embarrassed by the fact we’re asking for one.”

“Is this an in good faith request?” Vasic asked in the meeting. “Is this a deferral in good faith?”

Since the discussion, Vasic said she spoke with Freeman and understood her concerns.

“They’re all really important matters,” Vasic said in an interview with CTV News Wednesday. “Fiscal responsibility of the city, as well as arts and creative industries, and also housing.”

The decision was deferred to next week when council meets again on June 23.

Artists and community members speak out

People who live near St. Columba said they support the arts’ initiative.

“I think it would be an ideal spot for the artists regionally, and for the community as a whole,” said Joanne Makulski, a local artist who lives across the street from the vacant church.

Artists like Jen Prior agree. A few months ago, Prior moved into the downtown Kitchener location as part of ArtsBuild’s Meanwhile Spaces program.

“There’s a huge need for it,” she said. “I can’t even tell you how many creatives I know that just don’t have access to space.”

Rufus John also recently moved into a Meanwhile space at Wing404 in Waterloo. John founded Freedom Marching Project, an arts organization that curates safe creative spaces for marginalized and racialized youth.

“With ArtsBuild, what I really loved about the space is that we could call a space home for a while,” he said.

“Art can become expensive,” John continued. “I think it’s important that if a city can find ways to offset some of those costs, that would … be amazing.”

Prior also said cities need to step up and support the arts.

“I think the arts community here is really vibrant and we just really need more spaces for us to come together and to create, as well.”