Sacred Spaces, Civic Value: A Wake-Up Call for Church Landholders
The “Sacred Spaces, Civic Value” report from the Canadian Urban Institute has put numbers to a reality many church leaders have felt for years:
Thousands of sacred sites across Canada are at risk—and with them, the civic, cultural, and spiritual ecosystems they support.
According to the report, up to one-third of Christian-affiliated buildings in Canada may close by 2030. That’s nearly 9,000 properties, representing over 450 million square feet of built space - much of it in urban cores and growing communities.
This loss would carry more than symbolic weight. The report estimates that sacred spaces deliver $15.5 billion annually in civic value:
Affordable programming
Social services
Meeting space for nonprofits
Crisis support and housing access
Environmental and heritage benefits
Yet despite these contributions, many parishes, congregations, and dioceses lack the tools to protect and transform their properties for long-term mission and public good.
For Church Leaders Asking: “What’s Next?”
You’re not alone. Across Canada, we’re seeing an urgent wave of land-rich but cash-strapped parishes searching for direction.
We work directly with boards, dioceses, and denominational leaders to design pathways that:
Preserve sacred presence
Generate sustainable revenue
Serve the common good
Reflect the Gospel in bricks, mortar, and neighbour love
Let’s Talk About the Future of Your Sacred Space
If your congregation, parish, or diocese is wondering how to respond to the urgent challenges—and profound opportunities—outlined in the Sacred Spaces, Civic Value report, we invite you to start a conversation with us.
You don’t need a real estate department. You need a faithful partner.
Contact Reframe tor book a discovery call today.
Let’s make sure your sacred space continues to be a civic blessing for generations to come.