Ongoing Facility Renewal

McDougall | In Progress

Restoring a building that's more than a century old involves far more than a handful of major renovations. Throughout McDougall, we're continually addressing the countless repairs and improvements needed to make the facility welcoming, comfortable, and functional.

We've replaced the kitchen flooring, completed extensive painting and cleanup throughout the basement and other areas, and upgraded lighting in numerous spaces to warmer, more efficient LEDs. We've also made significant improvements to the building's aging heating systems, with additional work planned to improve comfort and reliability throughout the facility.

Alongside these larger improvements, there's a seemingly endless list of smaller projects—from repairing doors, locks, windows, and pews to patching walls and refreshing classrooms, offices, and gathering spaces.

Much of this work happens quietly, one room and one repair at a time. Together, these improvements are making a remarkable difference as we continue caring for this historic building and preparing it to serve our congregation and the wider community for generations to come.

Master Plan Development

Connors Hill | Completed 2017

Built in 1973, our Connors Hill facility was approaching 50 years of age and needed significant renewal. With the acquisition of the lot north of the gym, we also began exploring possibilities for future expansion.

From 2015 to 2017, our Connors Hill Development Team worked through a process of prayer, congregational input, and planning to develop a long-term vision for renewing the entire facility and eventually expanding to the north.

The resulting master plan established a phased approach to development that continues to guide our work. While we've adjusted the order of projects based on available funding and ministry needs, the overall vision remains an important foundation for Building Together.

[View the original Road to Redevelopment document]

Purchase & Renovation

Southeast | Completed 2017

ORIGINAL MORTGAGE: $3,767,583

Our Southeast congregation launched in 2012, meeting in several temporary locations, including the Connors Hill gym, Hillview Baptist Church, and Edith Rogers Junior High School. As the congregation grew, we began searching for a permanent home.

In 2017, our church approved the purchase of six light-industrial bays near Summerside. We developed the space into a welcoming church facility with a 300-seat auditorium, kids ministry areas, a foyer, and offices.

Following the purchase and renovation, we celebrated our first worship service in the new facility in August 2017.

This investment established a permanent home for Southeast, providing space for growing ministries, community life, and neighbourhood outreach. Building Together continues to help us reduce the original mortgage and prepare for future opportunities.

Rezoning

Connors Hill | Completed 2017

Over the years, our Connors Hill property had been acquired in several separate parcels. This created significant limitations under the City's development requirements, preventing us from moving forward with major building improvements or expansion.

As part of our long-term redevelopment planning, we worked through the process of combining and rezoning the property to Urban Services.

The successful rezoning allowed for our continued use as a church and opened the possibility of building on up to 90% of our land.

While less visible than a renovation, this was an important milestone. It removed a major obstacle and laid the groundwork for the facility improvements and possible northward expansion that followed.

Building Together — First Campaign

All Sites | 2018–2020

TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS: $1,873,089

With the Connors Hill master plan developed and the Southeast facility purchased, our church faced significant opportunities to invest in spaces for future ministry.

Rather than pursuing separate fundraising initiatives at each site, our leadership invited the whole church family to participate in a shared commitment. This became Building Together.

Through prayer, generosity, and participation across our congregations, we received $1,873,089 in contributions during the first three-year campaign.

These gifts helped us complete significant facility improvements and established a pattern of investing together in the spaces God has entrusted to us.

Building Together has continued to grow from that first campaign, supporting ministry across our expanding family of congregations.

Exterior Cladding

Connors Hill | Completed 2018

After decades of use, the imitation marble cladding covering much of our Connors Hill facility had begun to crack and fall away. The deterioration became serious enough that we had to close the west-side wheelchair ramp for safety.

This project replaced the aging exterior with a new insulated wall treatment and acrylic stucco, significantly improving the building's appearance and condition.

We also upgraded the exterior lighting to improve safety and replaced the frosted vertical sanctuary windows with transparent, energy-efficient glazing. These new windows created a stronger visual connection between the sanctuary and the surrounding neighbourhood.

Together, these improvements made Connors Hill safer, more welcoming, and more visually connected to the community we're seeking to serve.

Parking Lot

Connors Hill | Completed 2019

As part of the rezoning process at Connors Hill, the City required us to reconstruct the triangular parking lot along Connors Road. The original parking lot had been grandfathered in when the property was purchased from a restaurant, with much of the parking area actually located on city property.

The renovation brought the parking lot into compliance while significantly improving the appearance of our property and its connection to the surrounding neighbourhood. We also installed electrical infrastructure to accommodate a future illuminated sign along Connors Road.

While primarily a practical improvement, this project was another step toward making our facility more welcoming, accessible, and attractive to the community around us.

Gym Roof

Connors Hill | Completed 2019

PROJECT COST: $42,762

Several sections of the Connors Hill roof were aging and experiencing significant leaks. To protect the building and prepare for future interior renovations, we developed a three-stage roof replacement plan, beginning with the gym, followed by the sanctuary and foyer.

The gym roof was completed in 2019, addressing existing leaks and improving the long-term reliability of this important part of our facility. Updated metal flashing also improved the building's exterior appearance.

Although not the most visible kind of renovation, this work was essential to protecting the spaces used regularly for kids and youth ministry, recreation, community events, and outreach.

Gift of Facility

Sherwood Park | Completed 2020

PROJECT COST: $0

In 2020, God opened an unexpected door for our church family. After years of declining attendance, Centre Park Church in Sherwood Park had made the difficult decision to close. But their congregation had a strong desire to see their building continue to be used as a church, rather than being sold for redevelopment.

They approached Central Baptist Church about taking over the facility and establishing a new congregation in Sherwood Park. After a season of prayer, conversations, and discernment, our church voted to move forward, and the building was transferred to Central at no cost.

This remarkable act of generosity became the foundation for our Sherwood Park site. What could have marked the end of one congregation's story instead became the beginning of a new chapter of ministry, creating opportunities for more people in Sherwood Park to know Jesus and find community.

Main Floor Renovation

Sherwood Park | Completed 2021

PROJECT COST: $307,823

When Central received the Sherwood Park facility, the building had experienced years of limited resources and needed significant updates. Before launching a new congregation, we wanted to create a welcoming, functional environment where people could gather for worship, build relationships, and grow in faith.

We undertook a comprehensive renovation of the main floor, including the auditorium, foyer, washrooms, and office areas. These improvements transformed the appearance and functionality of the facility, preparing it for a new season of ministry.

One of the most remarkable parts of this project was how it was funded. In May 2021, we invited our church family to give toward the renovations. Through an extraordinary response of generosity, 100% of the required funds were received in a single offering.

This renovation helped lay the groundwork for the launch of our Sherwood Park congregation and continues to serve the people and ministries gathering there today.

Sanctuary Renovation

Connors Hill | Completed 2022

PROJECT COST: $395,452

Originally built in 1973, the Connors Hill sanctuary had never undergone a major renovation. After nearly five decades of use, it was time to renew this central gathering space for our church family and prepare it for the years ahead.

The renovation included new carpet, seating upholstery, paint, stage backdrop, and improvements to the baptismal area. We also updated the audiovisual system, added a centre aisle, relocated the media booth, and installed windows along the back wall to create a visual connection between the sanctuary and foyer.

The result is a brighter, more welcoming, and more functional environment for Sunday worship and other gatherings.

This project reflects our conviction that facilities matter because of what happens within them. Week after week, people gather here to worship Jesus, hear God's Word, celebrate baptisms, and grow together as a church family. Renewing the sanctuary was an investment in that ongoing ministry and in the people who will gather here for years to come.

Sherwood Park Public Launch

Sherwood Park | February 2022

After months of preparation, prayer, and relationship-building through our Core Group and Soft Launch stages, Central's Sherwood Park congregation officially launched in February 2022.

What began with the unexpected gift of a church facility in 2020 had grown into a new congregation ready to serve Sherwood Park and the surrounding community.

The launch marked an important milestone in our vision to multiply healthy churches and help more people know Jesus, love Jesus, and follow Him together.

Through Building Together, we had already renovated the facility's main floor, creating a welcoming place for worship, discipleship, and community. The public launch was a reminder of why we invest in buildings—not simply to improve facilities, but to create opportunities for lives and communities to be transformed through Jesus.

Sanctuary Roof

Connors Hill | Completed 2022

PROJECT COST: $243,822

The sanctuary roof was the second stage of our larger roof replacement plan at Connors Hill, following the gym roof completed in 2019.

For years, the transition between the sanctuary and foyer had been a particularly challenging area, with persistent leaks creating ongoing maintenance concerns and threatening the interior spaces below.

This project replaced the aging sanctuary roof and addressed the difficult transition by installing a single-piece membrane designed to prevent future water infiltration. We also updated the metal flashing, improving both durability and the building's exterior appearance.

While roof replacements are rarely the most exciting building projects, they are essential investments in the long-term health of our facilities. This work protects the spaces where our church family gathers to worship, learn, and grow together, helping ensure they can continue serving ministry for many years.

Kitchen Renovation

Sherwood Park | Completed 2023

PROJECT COST: $143,976

When Central acquired the Sherwood Park facility, the kitchen was in very poor condition. Years of limited investment had left it unsuitable for many of the food-related gatherings and community events we hoped to host.

Through Building Together, we completely renovated the kitchen, transforming it into a beautiful, functional, licensed commercial kitchen.

This investment has opened the door to a wide variety of ministry opportunities, from church meals and fellowship gatherings to community events and outreach initiatives.

Hospitality is an important part of how we build relationships and welcome people into our church family. Sharing meals creates opportunities for conversations, friendships, and meaningful connection.

With this renovation complete, our Sherwood Park facility is better equipped to extend that hospitality and serve our congregation and surrounding community for years to come.

Electronic Building Access

Connors Hill, Southeast & Sherwood Park | Completed 2023

PROJECT COST: $15,382

As our ministries have grown, so has the need for safe, convenient access to our facilities throughout the week.

Through Building Together, we installed electronic FOB access systems on exterior doors across our three sites. These systems make it easier to manage access for staff, volunteers, ministry programs, community events, and facility rentals while maintaining appropriate building security.

It's a practical improvement that helps our buildings function more effectively and supports the many ministries and community groups that use our spaces throughout the week.

Gym & Fireside Room Renovation

Connors Hill | Completed 2024

PROJECT COST: $545,459

The Connors Hill gym is one of our most heavily used ministry spaces, hosting kids and youth programs, recreation, community events, and outreach. After years of heavy use, it needed significant renewal.

Through Building Together, we replaced the gym floor with a flexible multipurpose surface, updated basketball, volleyball, and pickleball equipment, reconfigured entrances to better accommodate events and rentals, and added windows to brighten the stairwells.

We also renovated the adjoining foyer, washrooms, and Fireside Room, creating more welcoming and functional gathering spaces.

These improvements have expanded our ability to host sports leagues, community programs, ministry events, and neighbourhood gatherings. It's an investment that allows us to say "yes" to more opportunities to welcome people, build relationships, and serve our community.

Kids Area & Basement Renovation

Connors Hill | Completed 2026

PROJECT COST: $703,256

The Connors Hill basement has become a vital hub for kids ministry, youth gatherings, daycare, and community programs. After decades without significant updates, we undertook a major renovation to transform these spaces for the next generation.

The project included opening up the large-group room, adding interior windows for visibility, bringing in more natural light, and renewing classrooms, washrooms, flooring, ceilings, and lighting throughout the basement.

Today, these brighter, safer, and more welcoming spaces are serving children and families throughout the week. They're strengthening our kids and youth ministries, supporting our partner daycare, and creating opportunities to connect with neighbourhood families.

We're excited to see these rooms filled with children learning about Jesus, friendships developing, and families finding a place to belong.

McDougall Facility Purchase

McDougall | September 2025

PURCHASE PRICE: $3,850,000

In September 2025, Central took possession of historic McDougall Auditorium, opening an exciting new chapter in our vision to see more people know Jesus and find community throughout the Edmonton region.

Built in 1910, this remarkable building had served as a place of worship and community gathering for more than a century. When the opportunity arose to purchase it, we saw the potential to establish a new congregation in the heart of downtown Edmonton while preserving a significant historic landmark.

The purchase represented both an extraordinary opportunity and a substantial commitment. With approximately 25,000 square feet of space, a beautiful auditorium, and numerous rooms for ministry and community use, the facility offered tremendous possibilities—but also required significant restoration and ongoing care.

Through Building Together, we're investing in the building's renewal while establishing a church community that can serve downtown Edmonton for generations to come.

McDougall Work Day

McDougall | September 2025

When Central took possession of McDougall Auditorium in September 2025, more than 100 volunteers came together for an extraordinary day of work, marking the beginning of a new chapter for this historic building.

After decades of accumulated materials and deferred maintenance, the facility needed extensive cleaning and preparation. Volunteers worked throughout the building, clearing rooms, sorting belongings, removing seven massive bins of unwanted materials, and taking reusable items to Habitat for Humanity.

It was an incredible amount of work accomplished in a single day, but it represented something even more significant: a church family coming together around the vision of establishing a new congregation downtown.

That first work day set the tone for the restoration that would follow—countless people generously giving their time and energy to prepare McDougall for a new season of ministry.

Washroom Expansion & Renovation

McDougall | Completed 2026

For a building that can accommodate more than a thousand people, McDougall's original washrooms were remarkably inadequate. With just three stalls on each side, aging facilities, and persistent odour problems, washroom lineups during concerts and events could stretch to 20 or 30 people.

Through Building Together, we've completed a major renovation that more than doubled the washroom capacity and significantly expanded the available space. The project included additional stalls, updated finishes, improved layouts, and new universal-access washrooms.

This has made an enormous difference in the functionality and hospitality of our facility. Whether people are attending Sunday worship, a concert, or a community event, they now have access to modern, welcoming washrooms designed to serve the size and needs of the building.

It's a practical but significant improvement that helps McDougall serve people well for years to come.

Jeremy Putz