The recent failed referendum on community amenities upgrades isn't holding Squamish Baptist Church back from planning a new building.
Through the referendum process, which ended with a "no" vote on Feb. 26, it was learned the church had discussions with the District of Squamish about possibly partnering to construct a building for use as a church and a community arts centre.
Pastor Doug McGuire told The Chief his church organization is still looking at options for a new building.
We're going to continue our process of figuring out how to best serve our community," he said. "We're still looking at how to use the assets we have to parlay them into something new."
Coun. Corinne Lonsdale brought the previously private discussion between the mayor's office and the church into the public realm in February, reading out loud during an open council meeting the contents of a letter from church leaders to the church congregation, drawing the ire of Mayor Ian Sutherland.
Despite the public controversy, McGuire said his group is still willing to work with the District.
"We're still chugging along getting plans and designs and pricing," McGuire said. "We are making sure we have everything we need in order."
The partnership being explored by the church and the District centred on a building that would be constructed on District land.
McGuire believes the rejection of the plan to borrow $20 million for recreation amenities means the planning costs will increase and that means the planning costs for the centre will be higher. Alternatively, McGuire said the size of the project could be reduced to keep costs down.
The current Baptist Church at the corner of Mamquam Road and Highlands Way South is already a multi-use building, with a daycare operating in the church weekdays and arts organizations using the auditorium on a regular basis. McGuire said his congregation wants the new building to continue the tradition of being a multi-use facility that benefits the entire community.
