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Town approves 5–year term for expansion at St. Francis Church

May 9, 2013   ·   0 Comments

Council has approved in principle a 5–year time-line for the redevelopment of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Tottenham.

The Church had originally asked for a 10 year time-frame to complete a massive renovation, including the construction of a parking lot on the front lawn, which was turned down by council to lessen the financial impact to the Town.

The church, part of the St. James Parish, has proposed a phased Site Plan that includes building additions and the parking lot construction.

Drawings, prepared by an architect appointed by the Church were submitted to council for consideration.

Representatives from St. Francis Xavier Church, located at 72 Queen Street North, say that the proposed redevelopment of the building and the addition of a parking lot is necessary to accommodate the existing congregation and anticipated new worshipers, brought to town through new home development.

The plan also includes correcting certain deficiencies within the existing church facility (lack of barrier-free access to all levels, lack of barrier-free washrooms, absence of suitable meeting rooms and activity spaces) as well as operational and security concerns during perpetual adoration.

A zoning by-law amendment would be necessary to approve the preliminary designs as the north and south portions of the property are currently not zoned for institutional use;   the parking requirements of the by-law would not be met; and the landscaped open space and rear yard setbacks are deficient.

Phase I of the construction would create 15 temporary parking spots along Walkem Drive, one additional space on the property and one barrier free parking space; construction of new buildings; upgraded water and sanitary services to the church building; and the beginning of the interior renovations.

Phase II of the plan takes into consideration additional landscaping, lighting and walkways  as well as the construction of the new parking lot, with entrances off Queen St. and Walkem Dr.,  which will accommodate 46 vehicles, plus two barrier free spaces.

The new Church space will accommodate 154 new parishioners – from whom the Church is counting on donations to fund the project.

By Wendy Soloduik

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