Capital Campaign

We did it! With the help of so many people, we received $1.76 million in pledges for the GodSpace Capital Campaign. This has enabled us to complete many projects to make Highlands United Church more accessible and welcoming, as well as crucial renovations to the aging building.

Thank you to everyone who participated including donors, volunteers, committee members and all the people who shared this project.

If you haven't had a chance to review the renovations, you might want to check out:

• New elevator for access to all floors
• Renovated washrooms on two floors
• New handicapped washroom across from choir room
• New wheelchair/stroller accessible door by the chapel
• Upgraded stairways
• More user friendly church office with security system and new reception area furnishings
• New boilers for a more energy-efficient heating system
• Acoustic improvements in the gym (so you can hear conversations at coffee time)
• Full building fire detection and alarm system with emergency lighting
• New hallway lighting fixtures
• Re-decorated choir room
• Outdoor landscaping improvements

Some short-term financing was needed to complete this work. These loans will be paid off as we receive the donations pledged for the remainder of 2009 and 2010, with some funds left over for the last part of Phase One.

The last part of Phase One is beginning this summer. The Waldorf School is moving out of Rooms 201 and 202. Plans are being made to refurbish those rooms and the adjacent hallway, and to install a small kitchenette. Further work in that wing, such as washroom upgrading, depends on costs and availability of funds. (So, new contributions to Phase One are still welcome!)

Some people have asked about improvements to the Sanctuary. At the beginning of Phase One, the lighting was completely redone and the roof replaced. This major work makes the Sanctuary a much brighter and drier place to be, especially during rain storms. Additional plans for the Sanctuary will be discussed in the future when Phase Two is underway.