St. Mark's Church

[SteelTown]

St. Mark's Church receives a reprieve

June 18, 2008
Nicole Macintyre
The Hamilton Spectator

A downtown "oasis" is getting another chance to stay green.

The city's planning committee agreed yesterday to investigate the cost of maintaining St. Mark's Church as a park, instead of selling off the heritage property.

Durand neighbourhood residents lined up to tell councillors their high-density area can't afford to lose the tiny plot of green space at the corner of Bay and Hunter streets. "It's an oasis," said Russell Elman.

Council previously declared the property surplus after staff determined it would be too costly to renovate the historic church. Staff were asked to investigate the best possible uses for the property to increase its value.

Their proposed uses, such as a restaurant, day nursery or retirement home, would require the original facade of the church be maintained but allowed for a sizeable addition and recommended the green space out front -- a popular spot for Durand residents to relax -- could be used for parking.

The church plot was purchased by the city in 1994, using its parkland dedication fund, so it should remain as a park, argued residents.

City staff confirmed the neighbourhood is 7.2 hectares short on parkland, but the city only buys sizable plots to create green space. The St. Mark's property is a fraction of a hectare.

"Give us green space wherever we can find it," said resident Janice Brown. "Why is it about money? Why isn't it about quality of life?"

Councillor Brian McHattie won the support of the committee to ask staff to report back on the cost of tearing down the rear portion of the church, stabilizing the rest and leaving the property as a park.

The city has already spent more than $142,000 on bracing to keep an addition to the church standing.