KAGAWONG—The former St. Paul’s On the Hill United Church located in Billings Township will be available for rent by users on a seasonal basis.
“The former church will be rented out for multi-purpose events, with stage seating available for 70 people, and will be available in the summer,” said Brad MacKay, who along with Jamie Ward, both of Kagawong, are helping to turn the building into a multi-use event building. He explained “the township is looking at installing portable washroom facilities and are in the process of seeking quotes to provide this.”
“We also are in the process of looking for quotes for restoration to be done to the building to bring back the original character of the building,” said Mr. MacKay, “a similar idea to what has been done to the Old Mill Heritage Museum and the Post Office Museum. We are looking to hold fundraisers to do this.”
As has been reported previously, the township had purchased the building and the Billings Economic Development Committee had proposed a seasonal usage of the United Church. Brad MacKay and Jamie Ward have volunteered to renovate the building to make it rentable while maintaining the historical integrity of the building. All rental inquiries will go through Billings Municipal Clerk Kathy McDonald.
Mr. Ward had outlined in a letter to council, “in regards to the township’s recent purchase of the United Church, I am inquiring about and also proposing possible uses in order to repurpose one of Kagawong’s oldest historical buildings. Although the township already has a community hall with the Park Centre, I feel the United Church could serve to host a multitude of events due to its current setup and superior acoustics, not to mention the charm of the building’s history.”
Mr. Ward explained, “these events could be as varied as musical acts, recreating a small movie theatre, public talks, museum-related events, theatre and even a place to hold non-denomination marriages to name a few. The cost to the township and its taxpaying base would be minimal as a compost toilet or portable toilet would be the only provision needed for such activities.”
“My priority is that the building can be used for anything in the community that honours this historic, beautiful building,” Mr. Ward wrote. “It is a precious resource for the township.” He also told council he had visited the church and said the acoustics are very good in the building. “I can see it being used for events like movie nights and it could be used not only by local residents, but also to attract visitors here.”
Subsequently, council had passed a motion, “whereas, the economic development committee has proposed a seasonal usage of the United Church. And whereas, Brad MacKay and Jamie Ward have volunteered to renovate the building to make it rentable while maintaining the historic integrity of the building; and whereas the Economic Development Committee suggest that the building should be rented for $100 per day. Now, therefore be it resolved that council approves the recommendations of the EDC and that the volunteers report to Kathy McDonald regarding the work and removal of any items from the building.”
Mr. MacKay noted, “some interior and some exterior work has been done on the former church building,” and said the township is looking to come up with a name for the venue.
“The building should be up and running in a month for rentals and events,” stated Mr. MacKay.
