MONTREAL – Controversy is brewing in NDG as the existence of St. Columba Church, standing since 1916, is coming into question.
“The Anglican church sold it because they needed money to support other churches under their banner,” said Robert Blatt, the property developer who wants to turn part of St. Columba into seven residential units.
The council for Quebec’s religious heritage has given St. Columba a grade of E, which is the lowest possible.
“There are three criteria that were considered,” said Denis Boucher, the architect and project director of Quebec’s religious heritage, which evaluated the church in 2003.
“The first is the history. Were there events, people, or an old story about the place? Second, did the church maintain its architectural integrity? And third, is the church still intact? Are the decorations and windows still in good condition?”
Some residents insist that doesn’t mean the building shouldn’t be saved.
“The grade E is just an interpretation,” said Boucher.
“It’s up to each neighbourhood to determine what the church is worth to them.”
The church was desanctified in 2012 and has been empty of worshipers ever since.
The parish hall is used by a Jewish community organization called Chabad of NDG.
Blatt wants to build a residential project with the rest of the land.
Angry residents are holding a register on Thursday, Mar. 17.
If they collect 166 signatures they will force the NDG council to either drop the zoning law changes that were proposed to make the residential project a reality or hold a referendum.
“What I am hoping for is that residents base their decision on the facts,” said Blatt.
After two years of public consultation he wants to know what to do next, but he worries that the process has been tainted with racially charged comments.
“I didn’t expect the Jewish element to be brought into the discussions,” said Blatt.
Representatives from the campaign to save St. Columba was not available for comment.
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