BACKGROUND
In 2020, West Hill United Church in Scarborough, Ontario, faced a critical decision point. Due to a declining congregation and aging infrastructure, the church was facing the prospect of not having the financial resources to continue maintaining their building and potentially being forced to sell. While West Hill recognized that they could not sustain the ongoing costs of owning the building, they did not want to leave the community that they helped to build. When the Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough (BGCES) approached with interest in acquiring the site at 62 Orchard Park Drive, the church turned to Relèven (then Trinity Centres Foundation) for guidance in structuring a solution that could work for everyone. “The interest by the Boys and Girls Club of Scarborough was encouraging, but it also lead to more questions. We weren’t sure if the price being offered was fair, if we really truly wanted to leave our property, or what the consequences of leaving the property might be.”
- West Hill United Church
Rather than pursue a standard sale, Relèven proposed a mission-aligned transaction that preserved the site’s use for youth programming, supported the Club’s expansion, and allowed the congregation to remain on-site with long-term stability.
THE SOLUTION
Working in partnership with Releven Realty and the church’s legal team, Relèven helped broker a deal in which:
- The church property was sold, with a portion credited back as prepaid rent for the congregation.
- A 4% vendor take-back mortgage was structured to facilitate financing.
- West Hill United secured a lease, plus shared access to key gathering spaces and sanctuary time for ministry use.
- The congregation retained exclusive rights to several rooms and storage areas and negotiated continued use of symbolic art pieces and sacred objects within the building.
- A facilities committee was created to manage shared space and maintain a collaborative relationship between the parties. This structure allowed both organizations to meet their goals: BGCES expanded its programs and facility footprint, while the congregation remained on-site without the burdens of property ownership.
IMPACT
- Continuity: West Hill United maintains an active ministry presence and is able to worship, host programs, and serve the community.
- Capital Access: The church unlocked significant equity to support future mission and ministry while avoiding disruption to worship.
- Community Benefit: BGCES was able to expand in place, preserving a vital community hub for youth and families in Scarborough.
- Replicable Model: This hybrid structure offers a model for other congregations seeking to transition property without displacing ministry or community use.
LOOKING AHEAD
Relèven continues to support West Hill United through strategic planning for its residual land parcel, exploring future development that could bring additional housing or social value to the neighbourhood. As more congregations face difficult decisions about their buildings, this case shows that creative, collaborative solutions are not only possible—they’re transformative.
