OUR DREAM
‘Our Objective is to identify potential partnerships with others who share our values of creating safe, loving, inclusive community where diversity is welcomed and celebrated.’
Our Vision
Fairfield United Church is looking for organizations that wish to share our new space, creating partnerships on the corner of Moss and Fairfield. We want to secure one or two rental partners who are interested and able to commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week and a one-year or long-term rental. Our rental partner will have the opportunity to customize their space and have the advantage of securing preferred days and times. The space we envision will be able to host other community gatherings, so easily movable furnishings and storage areas are of prime concern.
The Opportunity
Construction is yet to begin, but we would like to share our space with long-term rentals that align to our vision and mission.
Rendering of our potential sanctuary space
Property Sale and Development Timeline
2010-2012: Interim Ministry in place.
February 2012: Manse sold.
September 2012: Rev. Gail Miller and Rev. Beth Walker appointed.
March 2014: Council considers options for future of the church’s building and real estate.
June 2014: Presentation by Sandy Beaman and Anna Wray of Colliers on redevelopment made to the congregation; Decision is made to engage the Property Redevelopment team of the BC Conference of United Church of Canada to do a feasibility study.
July-September 2014: Council works with BC Conference Property Redevelopment team to assess feasibility.
November 2014: Congregation is informed of the decision to not proceed with property development with BC Conference team. Other partnership options are explored.
June 2015: Congregation votes to stay together and work towards the sale and redevelopment of the church property and requests more information about options.
August 2015: Based on further information about options congregation votes to sell and redevelop church property.
November 2015: Community Consultation: More than 1,800 invitations and 500 email were sent to the Fairfield Gonzales neighbourhood to attend nine meetings. We shared our story and vision for the neighbourhood.
January 2016: Phase 1 environmental assessment conducted; Work continues with real estate partner Colliers to prepare for sale.
February 2016: Church property listed for sale.
June 2016: Church building and property sold to JN Development Group.
July-August 2016: Nicole Roberts of JN Development Group holds informal conversations with neighbours on proposed development plans.
October 23, 2016: our minister Beth Walker spoke with Nicole Roberts and Christopher Rowe, the developer and architect of Unity, the new mixed-use, urban development project that will replace the building we currently occupy, about their role in enabling Fairfield United to be the spirited heart of our neighbourhood. Listen to the conversation now.
December 2016: Presentation by JN Development Group made to Fairfield Gonzales Community Association and neighbours.
January 2017: JN Development Group submits the development application to City of Victoria.
December 14, 2017: Unity Urban Properties (JN Development Group) has won the OK from Victoria city council to take its plan to a public hearing. To see the Times Colonist article click here.
To read the most current information, visit the City of Victoria development tracker for 1303 Fairfield Rd: CLICK HERE
To read coverage of the property redevelopment in the Victoria News: CLICK HERE
All activities of the Fairfield United Church continue as usual.