City officials push back against plan to demolish or change 107-year-old church

City officials want to stop the owners of a Winnipeg church from demolishing or changing the 107-year-old building.

The Canadian Baptists of Western Canada wish to remove the St. Giles Presbyterian Church on Burrows Avenue from the city’s heritage preservation list.

The group wants to sell the property they say is worth $200,000. A report said a housing complex could replace the church.

But the historical buildings committee and city administrators are recommending against the move because of the church’s historical and architectural significance.

The owners said the sanctuary is in poor shape and poses a safety hazard. They estimate it will cost $1.8 million to fix the church. And they said attendance is down to 35 people a week, making it difficult to pay the bills.