Updated May 3, 2019
Utility Upgrades:
Are they really necessary?
As our team has discussed how to move forward in the most efficient way possible, we determined that starting with the utility upgrades made the most sense. This work is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2019, when building use is lowest and programing will be least impacted.
We have been asked why we need to upgrade our services, when everything is working now. In short, when the final construction is complete (Phase 3) the new, larger building will have higher utility needs – and it is cheaper in the long run to make those upgrades now, so we’re not tearing up a newly paved parking lot or making holes in new facilities at future stages of construction. As well, any major renovation to the existing building or new construction requires sprinklers, for which the existing water service is inadequate. Likewise, the sanitary sewer is not adequate for the proposed Education Centre and future phases of development. Furthermore, the power transformer and telephone services are located where the new building is going to be constructed. Finally, in 1997 the church committed to the City of Spruce Grove that we would pave the parking lot within ten years. Paving our lot will require the installation of a storm water drainage system. In short, it is cheaper and makes common sense to upgrade all utilities now, so we’re not tearing up a newly paved parking lot in the future. And we know that the City of Spruce Grove will only grant a building permit if we include paving in our first phase of development.
Financial Questions
What is the expected cost of The Community Life Centre (Phase 1)?
Phase 1 of Future Development is estimated to cost 6 million. We are budgeting for a full $6 million, even though with our hands-on approach to construction we are hopeful of bringing the project in well under budget, to ensure we are prepared for all potential costs.
The early cost estimates are around $5.3 million. This will change as exact design details are decided, and contracts are awarded. These costs will also change depending on how long it takes to get the project started.
Volunteer time and gifts in kind will help to lower the final cost of the project. Many in our congregation have already indicated their intention to provide their professional services, skilled labour and supplies over the course of construction.
How much money is required to begin complete construction?
1/3 cash on hand and 1/3 pledges (3-year commitment) is required before the project can begin. We have the opportunity to seek 1/3 financing, if necessary.
How can we afford this if the church isn’t even meeting its current budget?
Meeting budget and actual revenue/expenses are two different things. Our church’s giving is currently higher than monthly operating expenses. However, it is a concern that we are not meeting the budget approved by the Board of Elders. The board and staff are continuing to monitor this shortfall and adjust their expenses accordingly.
A project like this is a large undertaking financially; that is why we have been - and continue to – blanket our steps with prayer, asking God to continue to direct us.
What is the estimated increase in incremental operating cost?
Our buildings square footage will be increasing, which will increase operating costs. However, with advancement in technology we feel there will also be an improvement in efficiency of the new building with reduced heat loss, LED Lighting, etc.
The amount of money raised upfront for this project will also be a factor for operating costs. If we are required to finance a significant part of the construction, we will be adding costs to the general budget. The more cash on hand we are able to commit to this project in the early stages, the less this financing will affect the operating costs.
Timelines & Phasing
When will construction begin?
Construction of the Education Centre will begin when sufficient funds are raised to meet the requirements of 1/3 cash on hand (approx. $2 million) and 1/3 pledged over 3 years. At this time we are planning to begin construction in the spring of 2020.
Preliminary work will begin in the summer of 2019 with utility upgrades that will prepare the site for construction.
What does The Community Life Centre (Phase1) include?
The Community Life Centre is the Christian Education Centre which is a two-story building that includes a large presentation area, classrooms, age appropriate children’s classrooms, washrooms and storage.
The Community Life Centre also includes upgrades of all of the underground mechanical and electrical utilities and the paving and landscaping of the west and south sides of the property.
When will there be an information brochure available on Phase #1 (The Community Life Centre)?
Currently we are working with the report that was presented by the future development team in May of 2016 which included all three phases. If the vote is in favour of Phase #1 development, we will put together a condensed version of the report focusing on Phase #1.
When will Phase #2 start?
We anticipate Phase 1 will take 2-3 years. It makes the most sense for multiple reasons to start Phase 2 as soon as Phase 1 is complete, but this will depend on where our church is at and how our finances look at that time.
Phase 2 and 3 are in response to church growth nearing the capacity of the sanctuary and the start of consistent use of the gymnasium for overflow seating. We believe that will occur with completion of Phase 1 and paving of the parking lot.
It is likely that Phase 2 and Phase 3 will be done as a single sequential project as presented in the Facility Master Plan, with church growth and sanctuary capacity the driving factor.
Where will children’s ministries being held during The Community Life Centre (Phase 1) construction?
The Community Life Centre will be built as a new standalone building with a renovated connected space adding more ministry and support space and providing access to the existing facility. Phase 2 construction will include a new east entrance and foyer which will allow the north part of the facilities to be used for functions that do not require access to the south side of the building.
The current children’s ministry facilities will not be impacted until perhaps the move from the existing classrooms to the new building, after which the existing classrooms will be demolished.
How long will we have no gym?
The current gym will not be impacted until after Phase 2 is complete. As Phase 2 includes building a new gym, with our current phasing plan our church will never be without a gym.
Facility Questions
Is the kitchen large enough?
The kitchen development is planned for Phase 2. The kitchen will be re-designed and built to meet the needs of the church; the specific details of what this new kitchen looks like will be determined as we work with the architect.
The drawings that are displayed now are concept drawings and will be tweaked as the designs are finalized.
Should the kitchen have an Exit/Entrance to the Exterior?
Good question! We will make sure that is asked when we get to Phase 2.
Is the children’s ministry space large enough to accommodate the anticipated attendance increase once Phase #3 is completed (increased sanctuary capacity)?
The current design for the children’s ministry space (the Community Life Centre) is approximately double the current space.
The sanctuary space will not quite double under the current plan, which we anticipate to be a good ratio of sanctuary to children’s space.
The specific design of this space will be evaluated at the project moves forward.
What is the size of the gym?
The gym that is planned for Phase 2 is a standard high school gym size, but final design will be completed with ongoing planning with the architect.
What pastor/pastors will be in charge of the chapel, and sanctuary?
The chapel and sanctuary plans are a part of Phase 3. The senior pastor and staff will continue to oversee how the church is run/utilized at that time.
It is not the intention for the chapel and sanctuary to be different Sunday services, with different pastors, but to allow for multiple events to take place at the same time. For example, small weddings, prayer meetings and funerals could be hosted in the chapel, leaving the sanctuary open for larger meetings and events.
Is it a good idea to have the chapel so close to the sanctuary when there could be different types of events taking place, with different emotions (wedding and a funeral)?
There are pros and cons to the placement of the chapel in relation to the sanctuary. For the situation of a wedding and a funeral on the same day, this can be managed through scheduling to make good use of space, times, set-up and teardown; allowing both events to take place on the same weekend or even day.
Why are we choosing shrubs that are full of large thorns that kids and others won’t want to be around?
The drawings are concept drawings. A landscape architect will be involved to secure permits, and to assist in choosing the best trees and shrubs for the church’s many needs.
Is there not more desire to have a bigger library and study area? This could accommodate computer access, courses and training.
The library area is planned to be renovated as part of Phase 3, so this will be looked at in more detail when the architectural drawings for Phase 3 are developed.
The current drawings are concept drawings and will be re-vamped as the process goes forward, looking at all areas of the building, including current and future needs.
Are we planning for The Community Life Centre (Phase #1) and the proposed changes to be done on the current site?
Yes, the Future Development Team was asked to develop a plan to use our current site in the most efficient manner. In previous consultations the Church Board did look at options to build at a new location, but using our current site was deemed to be a better option. A Facility Master Plan Report was submitted to the Board of Elders which presented a three phase development of our current site to its maximum potential.
Role of the Congregation
How can I get involved?
Pray
Vote
Give Financially (now and through pledge commitments)
Indicate your willingness to volunteer in the construction phase of the project
Could we have a corporate/church prayer time for the project?
Absolutely. The church has prayer times taking place in and for the church on a regular basis, and our prayer warriors have included the church development among their prayer items.
We welcome you to join a prayer meeting that works for you. Check in with the office to find out when these prayer meetings are being held.
How can I become a member so that I can speak into the direction of the church?
Pastor Karen or a member of the board would be happy to discuss the merits and process of membership with you!
Membership is important to be able to show commitment to the church and to be involved in the voting process.
I have some expertise that may be beneficial to this project. How do I communicate this and get involved?
Contact information and details of what you can and are willing to provide can be emailed to HERE.
We appreciate the eagerness to be involved with this project we have already heard from many members of our congregation. The Future Development Team wants to hear from every willing member of the body, so we know what help may be available when the time comes.
What areas of help are required?
Many hands make light work!! The list of help that will be required to complete this project is long and extensive. Here are some examples of places that we may be able to use assistance:
• Construction experts
• Trades People: electricians, HVAC, plumbing, framing, flooring, drywall installers, dry wall tapers, painters, etc.
• Marketing type development, such as videographers
• Landscapers
• Cleaners
• Food Preparation
• Prayer Warriors
• Child Care Workers
• Willing Hands
• And many others
Please email any further questions or comments about the Community Life Centre to the Future Development Team HERE!