Carleton University eyeing purchase of historic church
Dominion-Chalmers United Church struggling with declining congregation
CBC News
Posted: Dec 06, 2017 8:47 AM ET Last Updated: Dec 06, 2017 12:34 PM ET
Carleton University is entering into talks to purchase Ottawa's Dominion-Chalmers United Church, with plans to turn the historic downtown building into a performance space for students and faculty.
The university's board of governors has agreed to enter into negotiations to purchase the church on the corner of Cooper and O'Connor streets. The church has become a popular venue for concerts, events and festivals including Chamberfest and the Ottawa Jazz Festival, but has been in a dire financial situation for some time.
"The acquisition of this unique community asset would provide valuable performance space for Carleton students and faculty that isn't available on the main campus," said Alastair Summerlee, Carleton University's interim president and vice-chancellor, in a news release.
The church's congregation has declined sharply over the years, from about 2,000 in the 1960s to between 80 and 100 in 2016.
In addition to using the site as a performance space for students and faculty, the university said in a statement it will also be a hub for artists and community groups. The Dominion-Chalmers United Church congregation will continue to use a small space in the building, the university said.
The building will also likely continue to host festivals including the Ottawa International Writers Festival and Chamberfest, according to the statement.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/carleton-university-purchase-church-1.4435024
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