Rohr Chabad of NDG hopes to raise enough money to save community centre
Future of property uncertain, after plans to replace St-Columba with housing development nixed
The hall next door to the old St-Columba church is more than just a building for the Rohr Chabad of NDG.
The local Jewish community uses the meeting hall for synagogue services, dinners and events, while also opening its doors to the community-at-large, including groups like Narcotics Anonymous.
Chabad NDG has been at the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce location for more than two years, and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath said it's perfect for their needs.
"There's only so many buildings in NDG, and it's important for us to be in the residential part of NDG because on the Sabbath their are many members of our community [who] need to walk."
But Chabad NDG's future at its current location — at the corner of Hingston and Notre-Dame-de-Grâce avenues — is uncertain.
Developer Robert Blatt, who owns the property, purchased it with the intention of tearing down the neighbouring St-Columba Church to build semi-attached homes.
We don't have another plan. If for some reason it doesn't work out ... that would be devastating- Rabbi Yisroel Bernath
He'd agreed to preserve the community centre and let Chabad NDG stay there.
But that development plan has been axed, because of opposition from residents who want to preserve the church.
Now that construction can't go ahead, it's possible the property could be sold.
Blatt was not available for an interview, but shared the following comment with CBC News: "The developer is considering all options at the present time. They will make an announcement when appropriate."
Bernath said the developer has been "a friend" and is doing what it can to collaborate with Chabad NDG.
I'm an eternal optimist. I just think it's going to happen and it's all going to work out- Rabbi Yisroel Bernath
The Jewish community has been given six weeks to come up with enough money to buy the entire property.
"We don't have another plan. If for some reason it doesn't work out, I mean we'd have to go look for another space and that would be devastating."
Bernath is still negotiating how much the property would cost, but he knows it's not a small sum.
"It's going to be a stretch," he said, adding that they're reaching out to the broader community for financial support.
Despite the challenge he's facing, Bernath is hopeful.
"I think I'm an eternal optimist. I just think it's going to happen and it's all going to work out," he said.
