Renovation of Rutland church approved

Run-down St. Aidan’s Church to become Buddhist cultural centre

An 85-year-old Rutland church, which had fallen into disrepair, will be repurposed as a Buddhist cultural centre.

City council on Monday approved plans for the on-site relocation and transformation of St. Aidan’s Church at the corner of Rutland Road and Mugford Road.

“I just want to say how excited I am to see this come forward,” said Coun. Charlie Hodge. “I’ve (long) had a love for this church, and I know it’s important to many people in Rutland.”

Donald Luxton, an expert in heritage building restoration, will help the Buddhist society to renovate the church, and tack on a small addition, in a way that preserves the architectural appeal and history of the building.

Local building designer and heritage preservation advocate Peter Chataway has also been involved in the project.

“Just knowing the people behind this project, I think the integrity of this little church will be preserved to the best of their ability,” said Coun. Mohini Singh.

The city sold the property to the Buddhist society several years ago for $100,000, on condition the building be renovated and preserved.

That was a good example of the city finding a way to preserve a heritage building at minimal cost to taxpayers, Mayor Colin Basran said. He also mentioned preservation of the old Surtees property on Lakeshore Road, achieved through a partnership between the city and Worman Commercial.

“We are now getting these two buildings back into use at minimal cost to taxpayers,” Basran said.