Update on the Sale of Camp Grafton Properties
May 31, 2013
Vision 429 Housing Ltd. is awaiting Columbia Shuswap Regional District to indicate they have gathered all the necessary information for them to call a public meeting for the rezoning of the property.
April 30, 2013
Vision 421 Building Society has completed its mandate for the Redevelopment of Phase I. Benefits will be garnered by ceasing as a Building Society and incorporating as Vision 429 Housing Limited. The present directors will continue in similar capacities and will now focus on the work necessary for Phase II, the affordable housing component, administrative space and the Thrift Shop. If you have concerns, needs, or identify issues with the Phase I building please speak to the Custodian or Office staff. If it is urgent, let the custodian know that, otherwise it will be added to the growing “to do” list and Aaron will get to it as soon as he can. Ministry Management Team and Ministry and Personnel continue to develop new processes for Phase I.
March 24, 2013
Refer to the Construction and The Move pages for updates.
February 3, 2012 Update
Final inspections for an Operation Permit for the Lift, and a Building Occupancy Permit will be happening this coming week. This means that by week’s end, we should be in a position where Don Waldon and Ron McColl can finalize plans and put into action our Move-In – knowing that the facility is ready for us. Folk – that is no easy task and one that will not be accomplished over-night. We need to keep Don and Ron in our prayers as they prepare to lead us in this next major transition.
While that planning and moving is going on, Bruce and Teri along with Council Circle and Worship Committee will be looking at the optimum time for our First Service in our redeveloped facility. They will also be determining an appropriate time and method to say “farewell” to this CE Centre.
We will do our best to keep everyone informed and up-to-date through our wonderful web-site, announcements at church, and e-mail “blasts”. The next weeks are going to provide all of us with challenges, disruptions, frustrations, elations and heart-ache – all the elements that come with Major Change. What an opportune time to re-visit Our Holy Manners!
January 24, 2013
On Thursday, Jan 24, the Official Opening at the new entrance on 421 St Paul Street was held. The opening started with four individuals, representing the diversity and the support of the total congregation, cut the “vine” – officially opening the newly renovated sanctuary building. The official cutters were: Owen Toderian, Dawn Aziz, Roy Simmonds, and Hazel Mudiman. A vine, rather than a ribbon, was felt to better reflect our theme of “making all things new”.
Guests proceeded through the hall and into the sanctuary for a short program, where Master of Ceremonies, Ron Routledge, introduced speakers.
Sue Sewell, Chair of Council Circle, acknowledged guests, provided a brief description of our congregation’s journey to the Opening and its continuance to Phase II. She also thanked the various groups within and outside of our congregation, neighbours, user groups, businesses, trades and organizations who played a part in getting Phase I to this point.
Mary Ann Milobar, head of the Marketing Committee for Phase II, briefly spoke of the vision for this phase for affordable and market housing, administrative space for our staff and the new Thrift Shop. She pointed out the advantages of the location and lifestyle possible living in the heart of downtown.
The contribution of Aviva’s grant for the new kitchen was honored as Sue Sewell presented a “Thank You” collage print to Garth Young, Senior Sales Manager at Aviva in BC. He was also accompanied by Mark McDermid, Account Executive at Aviva in Kamloops and our HUB broker from Salmon Arm, Rogan Andersson. The print will be be hung in the kitchen. These Aviva brokers were impressed with the kitchen and felt Aviva’s money was spent on a worthy cause.
Reverends Bruce Comrie and Teri Meyer asked the audience to join in the prayer created during the Capital Campaign and sing the song “Behold, Behold” from More Voices to bless the opening and end the program.
Refreshments were served and guests explored Phase I during the Open House.
Although the opening was held, not all facets of the building have been completed. A move-in date will not been announced until all approvals and permits have been received and construction finishing details are completed.
Naming of Phase II Redevelopment
The Vision 421 Team has determined that the name of the Phase II Redevelopment will be “429 St. Paul”.
The major consideration in choosing this name was that the best feature of Phase II is its downtown location. “429 St. Paul” leaves no question as to where the building is located and as the phrase goes “location is everything”.
From a marketing perspective this name conveys that prime location, it comes up easily in an internet search with no negative connotations, there is a historical perspective and connection between St. Paul and Kamloops, and it is a concise and clear name to a range of prospective owners.
Thank you to everyone who submitted suggested names. Determining a name for our new facility has not been an easy task! If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask any of the Vision 421 members.
Redevelopment gets Rezoning Approval
A Public Hearing was held on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012 at 7 pm, at Kamloops’ City Hall, regarding the rezoning for the Kamloops United Church’s application for affordable and market housing, the KUC Administrative space, and new Thrift Shop space.
KUC would like to thank all supporters who attended the Public Hearing. The rezoning application was approved. Another milestone reached towards KUC’s Phase II for Redevelopment.
The Housing Component ~ Mid November update:
Vision 421 continues to work hard at getting the housing component ready for final approval from BC Housing. At this time, we anticipate being ready to go to market in early 2013. We will let the congregation know as soon as we receive the final green light- ’til then, we appreciate all of the help and support that we continue to receive from the congregation.
Meanwhile, the search for an appropriate name for the building located at 429 St. Paul was undertaken. Input has been received from congregation members and the Vision Team has the unenviable task of sorting through more than 80 suggestions! The final choice will be announced during Advent.
Kamloops United Church’s Housing Project – Phase II of Redevelopment
As the completion of Phase I, the Redevelopment of the Sanctuary, entrance, hall, kitchen and lower level near completion, the public has been asking about Phase II, new administrative space for Kamloops United Church staff and, especially, the housing component.
Kamloops United Church is in the midst of an exciting housing project that will bring affordable home ownership to the downtown area. Once complete, the housing will provide a mix of sizes and layouts – sure to appeal to those entering the home ownership market for the first time right through to seniors, ready for worry-free living. Each unit will have in-unit laundry, its own storage locker, access to an amenities room and rooftop patio. Add in the central downtown location and you have housing that anyone would be proud to call home.
It is expected that pre-sales of the housing units will take place in early 2013 with a completion date in late 2014. The units will be available for purchase and are open to all – there are a variety of sizes and floor plans to choose from. All of the units are being priced so that they make home ownership an attainable goal.
Anyone wanting more information should contact Kamloops United Church at 372-3020.
Plans for Phase II submitted to BC Housing Corporation
The KUC congregation had directed Vision 421 to submit an application to the BC Housing Corporation (BCHC) for Stage II, redevelopment of the Christian Education Centre for an affordable housing component, new KUC Thrift Shop Space and KUC administration space. Vision 421 submitted revised documentation to BCHC in mid-October. Those revisions included reducing the number of residential units, modifying the design and layout of some of the units, and increasing the number of parking stalls. BCHC is reviewing these changes and we anticipate additional communication prior to receiving final approval to proceed with demolition and construction.
Official Hammer Blow Signaled Start of Construction ~Easter, 2012
Construction on Stage 1 of the redevelopment of the Kamloops United Church property at 4th and St. Paul commenced immediately after the Easter Holiday. To mark this occasion, Council Circle and Vision 421 Building Society invited all interested community members to attend the “Official Hammer Blow” ceremony at the church site on Saturday morning, April 14th at 10:30 am.
Vision 421 Redevelopment Update, March 25, 2012
On Sunday, March 25th, Council Circle convened a congregational meeting following worship service. Vision 421 presented information about the tender process that had resulted in actual costs we can anticipate for construction of Phase I of our Redevelopment, discussed the total budget projected for this phase, and illustrated how financial resources will be found. A vote was held with the following two questions receiving almost unanimous support:
1. “I agree that KUC should proceed with constructing Stage 1 of the Redevelopment by adopting a total budget of $1,775,000.”
2. “I agree that the Trustees, on behalf of Kamloops United Church, shall be authorized to borrow up to $1.7 million to complete Stage 1 of the Redevelopment.”
This decision was a milestone in the Redevelopment work done to date since it marked a financial commitment to the project and allowed construction to begin right after Easter.
In addition, Vision 421 introduced a new “working group” that has been formed to provide information to the congregation about the 61 residential suites that are being designed for Stage 2 of the redevelopment. Their aim is to build excitement and identify folk within and outside our congregation who are interested in possible purchase of suites. This group is comprised of Mary Ann Milobar (Vision 421), Ron McColl, Sharon Rhodes, Marg Waldon, and Phyllis Boswell. Monitor the KUC website and bulletin board in the hall for further updates on the Redevelopment.
As always, if you have any questions in the meantime please do not hesitate to contact any member of Vision 421.
Ron Routledge 250-372-0708, ron92@shaw.ca
Jennifer Keim 250-374-0890 mjkeim@shaw.ca
Mary Ann Milobar 250-374-6585 mamilobar@shaw.ca
Ray Sewell 250-372-8573 ray_sewell@telus.net
Don Waldon 250-573-5668 raspberrydoor@shaw.ca
Rose Soneff 250-377-6887 rsoneff@gmail.com
Vision 421 Update – January 29, 2012.
2012_VISION 421 INFORMATIONAL HANDOUT January[1]
An update on the Redevelopment of Phase I (Sanctuary area) and Phase II (Housing development) covering many topic areas such as the status of our funding search, floor plans submitted, permits, etc. was held. See the handout above. If you have a question, call Rose Soneff at 250-377-6887.
Vision 421 Update – December 16, 2011.
Last Friday, the Directors of Vision 421 met with two representatives from BC Housing to discuss our written proposal and to answer questions about our request for funding. A key question that we had was: “Should we continue to spend money on this project if BC Housing is not going to fund us to the level we have requested?”
The answer we received was: “Continue to spend money according to the budget you submitted, and continue working on providing us with additional information such as revisions to the pricing estimates for both the “affordable” as well as the “market” units, surveying for air-space strata, and proposed Bylaws (including rental restrictions on the “affordable units”).
We know that BC Housing will have a number of “demands” on us – including pre-sales of housing units, but we also have the verbal reassurance that BC Housing continues to be interested in and supportive of this project.
Thus we progress with hope that construction can start this spring on the renovations for Phase One.
_______________________________
VISION 421 – November 20, 2011 Meeting
Congregational input was sought at a meeting held November 20th following worship. Vision 421 engaged discussion around the limitations/structure to be put around the proposed housing.
The intent is to build 59 housing units, 30 of which will be offered for sale at 15% below market value. KUC is hoping that by foregoing profit, we will be able to help those individuals who are unable to afford to purchase their own housing. Vision 421 refers to these units as “Legacy Units” since it our hope that this type of affordability will continue on in the future.
While we await a decision from BC Housing regarding construction financing, we need to map out our goals surrounding the Legacy Units.
Questions pondered were:
- Should there be an income limitation for purchasers of Legacy Units? That is, do we want to ensure that only those whose income somewhat limits their housing choices should be eligible to purchase a Legacy Unit?
- Should there be a net worth limitation for purchasers of Legacy Units? Do we care if potential purchasers, who may have a lower income due to retirement, etc, have substantial assets tucked away?
- What limits, if any, should there be on resale of Legacy Units? If we are going to sell them for below market value, what’s to prevent someone from buying a unit and immediately selling it for market value (thereby, making the profit we have decided to forego)? Do we care?
Keep in mind that we will need to balance what we want to achieve with marketability. When considering what type of limitations you think might be appropriate, ask yourself this: Would I buy a unit if it came with these strings attached?
Notes from the Meeting are posted on the bulletin boards devoted to Redevelopment, in the sanctuary, hallway and hall. If you wish your own copy, contact any Vision 421 member.
Happy First Year Anniversary! Oct 31, 2011
It is hard to believe that on October 31, 2010, Kamloops United Church commissioned visitors to start increasing awareness of and support for the redevelopment. After a whirlwind of visitations, expectations rose to a pitch. Our hoped-for vision of celebrating Christmas 2011 in our new refurbished Sanctuary has not quite come to pass but what has been accomplished to date is definitely cause for celebration. Here are some of the highlights that we can celebrate:
- Many more people in the community are aware of our redevelopment, especially the housing in Phase II;
- Visitor teams reconnected with many on our congregation list;
- The whole congregation has been involved in the visitations and the direction of the redevelopment;
- The congregation voted unanimously for redevelopment — a rarity for most congregations embarking on such an ambitious project;
- KUC received Presbytery approval for redevelopment, along with many prayers and best wishes and congratulations for the work we are doing;
- KUC formed the Vision 421 Building Society to provide the people-power to undertake the project with guidance from the congregation;
- The City approved our Development Permit to undertake work on Phase I (Sanctuary area) and gave us approval to proceed with applications for rezoning and development for Phase II;
- Vision 421 Submitted an application to BC Housing Corporation for a loan;
- Volunteers moved the Thrift Shop to a new location and cleared out the lower level of the sanctuary
- Volunteers built a handicap ramp to the Christian Education Centre for access to this area when work starts on Phase I.
What’s Happening Right Now?
Even though we are in waiting mode or no diggers are in the ground, it does not mean that progress is not being made, just at a slower pace than hoped for. Yet, faster than most projects of this size. We are at the mercy of other organizations’ time lines and priorities.
- Our formal submission to BC Housing Corporation for financing is being reviewed by that organization. We hope to hear by the end of November that we have “preliminary approval” to proceed.
- New customers continue to increase revenue from the Thrift Shop.
- A submission for an Aviva Community Fund application requiring online voter support across Canada. Talk about a profile of our work!
- Posted Phase I and II conceptual designs for the congregation’s information.
- Working on Disclosure Statements and marketing strategies in preparation for pre-sales of units;
- Develop options for affordable housing eligibility criteria.
What is Next?
In preparation, the next few months will entail a flurry of activity:
- The third round for Aviva Community Funds will end on Nov. 30. We hope to rally the congregation, friends and supporters to ensure we get in the top 10 most voted for submissions. As Mary Ann Milobar put it to us, “If we can get the $100,000 in funding, it would be the equivalent of hosting a choir show every weekend for the next 50 weeks!”
- We anticipate that a preliminary approval “condition” from BC Housing will be the requirement to have pre-sales of units;
- Once preliminary approval from BC Housing is received, Community Capital Fundraising will gear up.
- Formation of committees to further design the kitchen, audio/visual requirements, and interior colours and materials.
- Formation of Housing Society to determine the strata guidelines for the housing component.
- Complete any further requirements by the city, including undertaking a rezoning meeting for public input on Phase II.
- Complete other preliminary approval requirements for BC Housing Corporation.
How do I become involved and be kept up to date?
Attend the upcoming congregation information sessions. For example, Mayor Peter Milobar will be available for questions, after service Sunday November, 6, regarding what the city has available for projects such as the redevelopment.
If you have a strong interest or experience in strata bylaws and guidelines, watch for the formation of the “Housing Committee”.
Monitor the Kamloops United Church website, www.kamloopsunited.ca for updates. Look for updates in the Newsletter, on the bulletin boards in the sanctuary, hallway or hall.
If you hear something and want to verify the accuracy, do not hesitate to call, email, or speak to any of the Vision 421 Building Society members:
Ron Routledge 250-372-0708, ron92@shaw.ca
Jennifer Keim 250-374-0890 mjkeim@shaw.ca
Mary Ann Milobar 250-374-6585 mamilobar@shaw.ca
Ray Sewell 250-372-8573 ray_sewell@telus.net
Rose Soneff 250-377-6887 rsoneff@gmail.com
Don Waldon 250-573-5668 raspberrydoor@shaw.ca
KUC Congregational Meeting Sunday, May 29, 2011
The congregation provided direction to Vision421, for the redevelopment plans. Due to the increased costs of construction, changes have been made to the floor plans and revised estimated costs have been approved for approximately $1,553,818 to complete the proposed Phase 1 renovation. In addition, KUC will spend an additional $100,000 to build 2000 additional sq. feet in the lower level space. Plans continue for a proposed market and affordable housing complex in Phase II (the site of the Christian Education Center)
Vision 421 Building Society
On Feb. 13th, the congregation voted to incorporate the Vision 421 Building Society under the BC Societies Act. The role of the society is to complete the proposed redevelopment. There are logistical and legal advantages to having the society as stated in the presentation by Jennifer Keim.
The congregation will remain informed throughout the redevelopment and are the ultimate decision-makers, but for the redevelopment to be completed, a group was needed that would be empowered to make necessary decisions, within their authority, to ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible.
The RDT (Redevelopment Design Team) role is completed and the team was disbanded. Members of the RDT transitioned to the Vision 421 Building Society to provide continuity but there was a need for two additional persons. The Board of Directors consists of Jennifer Keim, Ron Routledge, Mary Ann Milobar, Don Waldon, Ray Sewell and Rose Soneff. Each has a specific portfolio, as noted below.
At the end of the ‘build’ phase, the society will be disbanded – transitioning the management of the ‘housing’ to a Housing Society.
Redevelopment
A Redevelopment of the existing Kamloops United Church property was approved by the congregation to better meet the needs of church programs and meet the Ministry Plan’s goals and objectives. Redevelopment will be undertaken in 2 phases. In Phase 1, all services and programs will be relocated to the Christian Education Centre (CEC), or offsite, where needed. The main and lower levels of the Sanctuary site will be renovated to create a new hall, kitchen and programming space. Upon completion of Phase 1, Phase 2 involves all services and programs to be moved from the (CEC) to the Sanctuary building. The CEC is then demolished to make way for a new building – offering administrative space for KUC and providing affordable housing for the downtown.