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White Rock residents oppose plan to turn church into housing project

Several White Rock residents are banding together to try and save a landmark church from being redeveloped into a housing project.

The First United Church is nearly 60 years old and is used by many community groups as well as a Sunday congregation. The building also hosts concerts, Remembrance Day ceremonies and other community gatherings.

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However, the ministry has been forced to look at redeveloping the property because of financial woes.

The proposed development would include a four-storey housing complex, complete with a smaller church space inside.

Church goers are divided about the proposal, saying there has been a lack of consultation about the project.

Rev. Joan McMurtry says that while it would be sad to lose the sanctuary, a new development would provide much needed social housing and a financially secure future, something that can’t be assured at the moment.

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Final decisions about the future of the church property will take place in the fall.

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