Slideshow image

In 2024, following a detailed investigation and evaluation of alternatives to address the declining state-of-repair of our church tower, our Construction Manager at that time (Matt Morey) and our Engineer (RJC) established the following 2-phase tower restoration program:

  • A five-year “maintenance” phase (2024-2028) with annual monitoring and essential local repairs, to maintain the structural integrity of the tower and to prevent any further degradation of the structure.
  • A two-year “reconstruction” phase (2029/2030) with the wholesale deconstruction and reconstruction of significant portions of the tower.

In year 1 of the “maintenance” phase (2024), the four pinnacles were removed with other local repairs to the tower.

At that time, the Engineer’s Opinion of Probable Costs (OPC) for the “reconstruction” phase was $2.5 million (excluding HST and soft costs). These costs were far beyond the capabilities of St. Mark’s and the local community to raise, and we would require significant external support to raise these funds. No potential sources for such external support were identified, however.

Therefore, in year 2 of the “maintenance phase” (2025), this program was paused and the contracts for the Construction Manager and Engineer were not extended. Instead, alternative approaches to the tower restoration, at potentially lower costs, were pursued.

With the support of several experienced building engineers (all at no cost the St. Marks), the concept design for an Alternative Approach was developed. This concept involved the creation of a new, reinforced integral inner wall, using high-strength, flexible concrete, with the existing outer stone wall retained, acting as the exterior framework.

Earlier this year it was decided by the wardens and Parish Council to further explore the feasibility and likely costs of this Alternative Approach, and a contract was subsequently awarded to our previous Engineer (RJC) to conduct such an evaluation.  RJC were also awarded a contract to conduct a visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the tower to identify any further deterioration of the tower structure since their previous inspections.

As part of the Engineer’s evaluation, they obtained cost estimates from two independent contractors for both the Alternative Approach (installation of an interior concrete core) as well as for the “Original Reconstruction Approach”.  The lowest cost estimate for the Alternative Approach was unfortunately significantly higher than the lowest cost estimate for the Original Reconstruction Approach.  In addition, our Engineer raised several concerns related to the Alternative Approach.

As such, the wardens and Parish Council decided to discontinue further consideration of the Alternative Approach and revert to the previous 2-phase tower restoration program.

With respect to the “maintenance” phase, our Engineer, following their latest inspections, has recommended stabilizing a portion of tower where the wythes of the stone masonry wall are separating at the fourth floor on the west elevation.  We are therefore currently tendering for this work with the goal to complete these interim repairs this fall.

With respect to the “reconstruction” phase, we are left with the challenge of how to raise the total funds required which will surely significantly exceed the original $2.5 million estimate.

We recognize that a project of this magnitude extends well beyond the fundraising capacity of our congregation alone. Its success would depend upon significant support from the broader community, including local, provincial, and national partners. Before embarking on such an ambitious capital campaign, therefore, it is both responsible and prudent for us to determine whether there is indeed sufficient interest, enthusiasm, and philanthropic capacity to support the restoration.

To this end, with the approval of the wardens and Parish Council, St. Mark's has awarded a contract to a highly experienced consulting firm (BNP Inspire) to undertake a Pre-Campaign Feasibility Study. The purpose of this study is to assess whether this is the appropriate time to launch a capital campaign for the restoration of the tower and to determine the level of support that may exist within the wider community.  This study will provide:

  • An assessment of the significance and relevance of the tower restoration project to the wider community.
  • A detailed evaluation of the local philanthropic landscape as it relates to this project.
  • Practical recommendations and a strategic roadmap should we decide to proceed with a capital fundraising campaign.
  • The identification of potential donors, community partners, and volunteers who may wish to become involved.

Work is currently underway on this study, with results available later this year.

We believe this study represents an important investment in careful planning and faithful stewardship. It will provide us with objective information to help guide future decisions and enable us to move forward with confidence as we consider the long-term future of this significant heritage project.

Further updates will be provided as new information comes available.