Postponed Arts, culture & heritage

Heritage designation, Old Baptist Church

An unfunded idea to give heritage protection to the old Baptist church by the train station was moved from 2026 to 2027 planning.

Amount
Not stated
Got
$0
Where it stands
To 2027 planning. Unfunded wish-list idea; moved from the 2026 to the 2027 planning session by the Eaglecrest funding plan.

What it is

This was a new idea sent in for Council's 2026 strategic planning: heritage designation for the old Baptist church by the train station. It had no budget and no cost estimate.

Heritage designation is a bylaw that legally protects a building from changes or demolition. It is stronger than being listed on a heritage register.

On July 23, 2025, Council moved all new ideas of this kind, which the Town calls Blue Sky initiatives, from 2026 to 2027 strategic planning. This was part of the Eaglecrest funding plan (Resolution 25-180, carried 4–1, Councillor Harrison opposed).

What happened

  1. July 23, 2025Council moves the idea, with other Blue Sky ideas, to 2027 strategic planning (4–1).
  2. April 1, 2026The 2026–2030 Financial Plan lists the Baptist Church among more than 60 buildings and structures the Town maintains.

Why it matters

  • This item was a wish-list idea. It was never scored, scheduled or given money, so no budget was taken away.
  • The church at 600 Beach Road is used by Qualicum Community Baptist Church. The Town's tax exemption list shows the congregation there.
  • The 2026–2030 Financial Plan lists the Baptist Church among buildings the Town maintains. It does not say who owns the building. We have not confirmed ownership.
  • The Town's heritage buildings web page lists 11 buildings, including the railway station next door. The Baptist church is not on that list.
  • Under B.C. law, if heritage designation lowers a property's market value, the local government must compensate the owner. The owner has one year to apply.

Sources

Last checked September 18, 2026. Report a mistake.