Faithful Footprints

A mere 20 minutes from mainland Vancouver, Camp Fircom is a far cry from hectic city life. Located across the Howe Sound on Gambier Island, and accessible only by water taxi, the remote United Church camp has offered a “place of rest and healing” for 100 years. 

Ron Injates, who currently sits on the camp’s board of directors and property committee, sets the scene:

“It's such a unique location and experience being on the island. The kids who come here, they get on a boat and that's exciting from the second they leave the dock. We're not too far from town, but sort of in the middle of nowhere and totally off the grid at the same time.” 

Across regions, many faith communities are unable to meet annual fees and maintenance costs and are struggling to keep up with the operational needs of their buildings. As a solution, a number of United Church properties are retrofitting their buildings with the goal of reducing their energy bills. They are creating rental opportunities by renovating old and unused spaces within their buildings. 

Trinity Church (Rose Bay, NS) - Wooden Frame Exterior. Source: John Hayne

'Thermal mass' describes a material's capacity to absorb, store and release heat. Thermal movement – the transferring of heat – occurs much faster in materials with low thermal mass (eg. wood) than materials with high thermal mass (eg. bricks). These types of materials experience higher thermal conductivity than materials that absorb, store and release heat at a lower rate. Thermal Insulation helps to reduce the movement of heat between materials, especially of those with low thermal mass. 

Leo Mol stained glass windows, Westworth United Church. Source: westworth.ca/about-us/history/

Known for the stunning Leo Mol stained glass windows in its 63-year-old sanctuary, Westworth United Church, in Winnipeg, Manitoba is also broadly celebrated in the community for its commitment to supporting local groups and refugee families.

The Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre is an accredited theological college located one mile east of Beausejour, Manitoba that offers cross-cultural learning and Indigenous ministry training, as well as a peaceful place on the land for retreats, meetings and gatherings. Its vision is to create a place where First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Christian spiritual beliefs are respected, shared, and understood.  

Chris Benjamin  
Faithful Footprints' Atlantic Coordinator 

An abundance mindset (you choose your own wage?!). Founded on a vision of sharing harmonious relationships with all Earth’s kin. Committed to decolonizing all levels of engagement and conducting business. Alberta-based, non-profit social enterprise, Newo.energy is all this and more.

Team installing solar panels on roof.

Following through with large-scale building renovations requires commitment and persistence, as there are many obstacles that are likely to arise. Financial barriers, resource shortages, and global issues can cause delays and even full on restructuring of project plans.

"The most important lesson that our church community has learned from our partnership with Faithful Footprints is how easy it was to participate in the program. Our contacts at Faithful Footprints were always accessible and they walked us through the program steps promptly and efficiently." 

– Paul Burt,  Topsail United Church, Conception Bay South, NL

It's no secret that renovating and updating a faith community building or even just the sanctuary requires a lot of planning and support. Without the right tools, resources and team in place, this process can seem difficult and overwhelming.