Members of Holy Name of Jesus Parish are about to meet Vancouver city planners to discuss the future of the neighbourhood.
On the agenda is Phase 3 of the city’s Cambie Corridor project. That plan includes various housing, transit, and other development projects along a 19-kilometre stretch of Cambie Street.
“We have to be responsible stewards of the property that was purchased for the use of the parish for its mission,” said Father Stanley Galvon, who is interested in the outcome of the meeting. “It’s best that we work together.”
More than 300 parishioners have signed a petition outlining their concerns about Phase 3. Those concerns include a proposed SkyTrain station at 33rd Avenue, the intersection where their church stands.
Some worry the city could decide to build the transit station on church land. They also worry about the future of other properties that belong to the archdiocese.
“We want the church and its prospective facilities to continue to provide pastoral ministry to the growing population in Metro Vancouver and specifically along the Cambie Corridor and surrounding areas,” the petition states.
A handful of parish and archdiocesan representatives will head to the meeting with city planners, petition in hand, June 8.
Father Lawrence Holland, the parish’s pastor, has noticed the parishioners’ concerns. “There are strong feelings.”
Churchgoers have told him some non-Catholic neighbours are also worried about the future of the church, which they see as a place of architectural significance.
Susan Haid, the city’s assistant director of planning for Vancouver South, said there is no detailed design, cost estimate, or preferred location decided for the future SkyTrain station yet.
“The city’s planning team has been in contact with the Holy Name of Jesus Church and we are looking forward to meeting with its member representatives this week.”
