After the closure of the St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in 2012, the building sat empty for 2 ½ years. Significant moisture damage from condensation occurred in much of the building. In addition to bringing the building up to modern building codes (mainly fire and electrical), there was significant brick repointing and window repair needed, as well as paint and drywall damage repair necessary.
Original estimates indicated $180,000 was needed immediately and $700,000 would be required over the first 10 years or so. Follow us on our journey as we preserve this beautiful historic building, ensuring our rich Canadian heritage can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Renovations in 2020
- The four west windows (behind the altar) have been restored and re-leaded. They are now vibrant and secure.
- Thirteen additional windows have been storm glazed, which completes the five year process of protecting all the stained glass windows in Kingsbridge!
- The tower area remains under construction while a lift for access between levels is installed.
- A sound board and speakers have been installed upstairs to improve the listening experience at future performance and concert events.
- The roof on the rectory garage has been replaced.
- Some paint has been updated, including the doors to the Centre.
- New chairs and tables have been purchased for the lower level
- More improvements are planned, but those are currently on hold until the lift installation is complete (Dust… everywhere!)
The Basement
The basement has been completely gutted. The old cement floor was removed and renovated in stages as funds permitted. The lower level of “Kingsbridge Community Hall” was opened for public use August 18, 2019.
Stage One (2016): Furnace and storage area was completed. Thanks to fundraising, an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, $7200 in in-kind donations from supporters, and 49 volunteers contributing 379 hours!
Stage Two (2017): Small meeting room and main hall was completed thanks to fundraising, an FCC Agrispirit grant, A Hydro One Safe Communities Grant, a New Horizons for Seniors Program grant, $2600 in in-kind donations from supporters, and 51 volunteers contributing 1367 hours of labour!
Stage Three (2018-2019): Renovations included accessible washrooms, a kitchen, mechanical room and inside basement access stairs. The quotes for this stage of renovations totalled $369,077. Due to the cost, Stage 3 was divided into 3 phases.
Stage Three – Phase One: The accessible washrooms, the main hallway/foyer, a mechanical room and a coat room. The construction on this phase was complete August 2019. Thanks to Jim Van Osch Construction and the help of 43 volunteers donating 343 hours of their time.
Stage Three – Phase Two: Inside access stairs, south east corner. Project completed May 2019.
Stage Three – Phase Three: The kitchen construction was completed August 2019. Appliances were installed early in 2020 and kitchen supplies are currently being purchased and organized. The estimated completion date is March 2021.
Building Improvements by Year
May – August 2015
- Brick and stone repointing. All sides of church + 1 day on rectory
- Window storm glazing 6 in tower & 3 south sanctuary /nave.
- Wood repair on windows
- Paint west end of nave
- Electrical Code
- Emergency Lights and Alarms
- Eavetrough downspouts
- Roof Repair (Crane &
- Contractor
- Repair choir loft beam
- Decommission furnaces
- Screens on Louvers
- Transform former rectory into rental property “kingsbridge in the country”
September 1, 2015- August 31, 2016
- Storm glazing of windows in tower and southern side completed
- New downspouts around the church
- Smoke alarms and CO2 detectors installed
- Work bees held in Nov to clean up grounds, garage, and basement.
- Work bees held in Jan to remove mold material in basement.
- New utility room in basement was constructed by volunteers
- Installation of new heating system was started and completed by July of 2016
- Church basement improvements included interior foundation drain, concrete floor over previous exposed dirt floor, insulation, and new drywall on the ceiling and exterior walls
September 1, 2016 – August 31, 2017
- Preparation of design drawings for construction of washroom, kitchen, and entrance in basement
- Construction of interior stairs to basement and accessibility lift.
- Install storm glazing on two east windows
- Completion of Stage 2 renovations to basement including painting, lighting, trim, and new flooring.
- Completion of accessible washroom on the main floor of Kingsbridge Community
- New flooring and paint in the Knight’s room
- Purchase of lighting and A/V equipment
- New marquee sign
September 1, 2017 – August 31, 2018
- Painted and installed tempered storm glazing on 4 western windows of the Centre.
- Stage 3 renovations to basement hall have begun. Stage 3 will see building and completion of washrooms, kitchen, and upgrades to the entrance hall.
- Lighting upgrades, including new exterior lights by the front entrance stairs and new lobby lights.
- Shelving purchased and installed in-hall storage room.
- New stage microphones purchased and installed.