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Phase 1 Features:

Restoration of facade
New slate roof
Repair and restoration of original stained glass
Additional accessibility
New front doors

Built in 1882, St. Columba Catholic Church was in need of preservation and restoration. The church was searching to find a solution for major exterior deterioration issues. As a significant landmark in Ottawa, it was important to develop a 100-year solution, not just a 20-year solution.

As a significant landmark in Ottawa, it was important to develop a 100-year solution, not just a 20-year plan.

Preserving and restoring with a long-term plan.

The design team started with this long term goal in mind, and worked with St. Columba to develop an overall master plan for church facilities. The plan looked at all current unresolved maintenance issues in a larger scope and incorporated a plan that would be followed for the ongoing care and upkeep of the newly restored facilities. The parish wanted a long-term (100-year) solution, so the design team developed a two-phase plan to address all of the church’s needs. Phase 1 was the exterior renovation and restoration. In order to fund the projects, the Parish raised funds through a capital campaign.

Details that make a difference.

Deteriorating plaster was removed in order to repoint the brick and install a breathable sealant. This allowed for the restoration of the historical facade while preserving the integrity of the original design.