Note: The respondent comments below have been listed exactly as written on the questionnaire- there were no changes to grammar and therefore some comments may appear somewhat awkward.

I’ve checked the two options and I think the living room style space would be more comfortable than the kitchen for small meetings.  The current worship space is a multi-purpose space, although using it for dinners etc. involves moving furniture- I think it is good to use this space this way and not to try and maintain a “sacred” space- it indicates that all community activity is a sacred event.

I would really like to see storage items like tables removed from the back of the church.  I like what I saw at Parksville Baptist Church.  Parksville United has a balcony, in much the same space as ours.  I prefer “sacred” events to be kept in the sanctuary (i.e. church, music, special events).  More general events in a multi-purpose space.  There’s a danger that our sacred space starts to feel ordinary. (See attached diagram).

I like the concept of a multi-use facility built out to accommodate interested user groups, but with a focus on church aspect.  Groups help fund up front and then have access or there is rental potential by developing multi-use concept into a structure.  Any build-out should include consultation from a cross-section of the community in order to determine sustainability.

Even with discussions about joint use of facilities i.e. Sea to Sky, I think we should start ASAP to make renos to the current sanctuary.  We need to 1) Look for more creative ways of letting natural light into the sanctuary and capitalize on mountain views 2) Renovate the foyer-at least install skylights with pitched roof to convey the impression of space... and welcoming 3) Upgrade the Annex to support current use while planning for future facilities.
I would like to see improvements made to our existing buildings i.e. carpets, paint, kitchen renovation etc. before any extra buildings are constructed.  I also feel very  strongly that the manse is kept!  I also appreciate the Board sharing their plans with the congregation, it is crucial to keep the communication open.
Serious consideration must be given to the money and time and size of our present congregation.  It is aging and I think large projects are a thing of the past unless we can get more young families to join our church.
Do not incur long term debt.  If possible, consider building a viewing room for babies/infants.

40 to 50 years seems to be a very long time to presume to plan for.  I would not want us to assume this debt.  If financing were in place before any construction, I would be more supportive of becoming a landlord to a community organization.  There already is a problem trying to get volunteers for activities as diverse as Sunday School teaching and lawn mowing.

I would like to see the church with a sanctuary that remained a sanctuary, that a multi-purpose room was used for all social gatherings.  The idea of a smaller living room maybe a room for small gatherings, is a great idea.  Not everyone is comfortable with or able to offer their homes for church gatherings.

I think it is time to remove the Annex to build a church where choir members and Sunday School children and teacher do not have to go outside.  Our worship space could be “modernized”.  It doesn’t need to be a whole lot bigger for now- we don’t seem to be growing in number- maybe the new university will change that?  We need several upgrades of equipment soon- especially the sound system.

I would appreciate some larger washrooms! (and wheelchair accessible).  Build the kitchen bigger, so that it can also be used for small meetings.  Want picnics on church grounds, and need some tables or TV trays for coffee after church.

This survey seems to focus more on facilities than programs.  It also seems to draw me toward choosing a “preferred place” that we do not presently have for current and/or desirable uses.  Therefore, I feel this survey is biased toward building a new facility.  ARE WE THINKING OF BUILDING?

I have indicated that both the church and multi-purpose room for various activities whenever a kitchen is required.  I think it would be nicer to have function away from the sanctuary if we had other kitchen facilities.

It’s time to upgrade the Annex.

The Sunday School area needs to be renovated and made more bright and appealing and comfortable for young children.  Some of the toys need to be replaced and newer more varied activities should be available, i.e. book corner, table with puzzles, play area etc.  Also if possible, in the future a fence could be erected in the garden area so that some Sunday School activities could be outside on sunny days.  A comfortable area for mothers to sit and attend their younger children would also help.

Please consider whether or not it is viable to renovate, modify, add on to etc. the annex.  This old building could have real character and charm if it is structurally sound.  Architects could still find ways of incorporating all our other needs without tearing it down.  Note: this respondent sketched an addition that connected the church to the annex and suggested renovating both the church and annex.

Part of these discussions should include the aspect of financing (very important).

In regard to the question about renting a newly built space to a community group, please note that as a congregation we have been struggling for years to keep our facilities in repair.  Dreams of new facilities coming into being would probably best be realized if we were able (loosely) unite with other community organizations in order to pool funds.  This would enable us to have more space available and to make available space usable for more of the week i.e. more efficient use of space and heat and light etc.

The enthusiasm and opportunities available seem to be melded together at the same time.  I think this is a good time to look forward with an upgraded expansion in mind.

A new flexible multi-purpose area of several rooms including kitchen facilities would be wonderful.  Our truly gifted choir should be considered for any of their needs.  A new CD player is needed.

I would like to see how this spells out to a 5-year plan- steps to take along the way i.e. upgrading current sanctuary/foyer/washrooms/Sunday School area.  This survey talks about use but doesn’t address upgrade.

I like the idea of a new building.

Look at possible sub-division and sale of part of manse property and use proceeds, if possible toward new facility.  The current C.E. building is inadequate for younger children’s Sunday School- upgrade or replacement should be a priority.  That may be having an effect on the church’s ability to attract and retain as members, families with children.

We could make greater use of virtual church (Netscape).

It would be wonderful if we could build a big, beautiful new church, with a roomier choir loft.  I believe our congregation is growing.

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