On March 15, 2024 a meeting was held by the buyer, Tim Brown (as TBC's lawyer), and the District Office. The buyer has been attempting to complete a zoning change and subdivision application of the 10 acres of land that was sold to him back in November 2018. During this meeting, the buyer proposed to buy our entire 14.5 acres, which includes the land that building sits on. This would then allow him to close quickly on the sale of the land and begin the subdivision process again. This decision would then require us to make a choice between two options once the sale closes:
1) SELL AND STAY
2) SELL AND MOVE
Option 1
The district sells all 14.5 acres of the land to the buyer and then repurchases the 4.5 acres of our current lot back for $1.00 (secured by caveat and option agreement). The buyer recommences subdivision application and during this time, TBC continues to be responsible for all maintenance, property taxes, utilities, etc. Once the subdivision process is complete, the district triggers the buyback option for $1.00 and the building title and land is transferred back to the district.
Option 2
The district sells all 14.5 acres of the land to the buyer. TBC enters into a lease for a fixed term to move to a different location (more on that to follow below). The lease rate would be at fair market value and the fixed term would be negotiated with the buyer. During the lease period, TBC continues to be responsible for all maintenance, property taxes, utilities, etc.
The Real Property and Building subcommittee of the District met on March 21, 2024 to review this situation and then presented the following two resolutions to the District Executive Committee (DEXCOM) who met on April 2, 2024:
Resolution #1
RESOLVED that DEXCOM sell the whole parcel of land located at 620 Oxbow Bend Rd in Winnipeg under the framework of either option 1 or option 2 as presented at the March 15, 2024 meeting between all parties involved in the sale.
This was a unanimous decision by DEXCOM and gives the District Superintendent the authority to move forward with the sale on behalf of DEXCOM and with the cooperation of TBC.
Resolution #2
RESOLVED that DEXCOM recommends and encourages the membership of The Bridge Church to select "Option 2" as presented at the March 15th, 2024 meeting with the buyer and make plans to relocate the congregation to a more favourable location inside the Perimeter Highway on the western side of Winnipeg within 3km of the Assiniboine River.
This was also a unanimous decision by DEXCOM to present this to TBC.
So what does this all mean?
1) TBC has no say in whether all 14.5 acres are sold to the buyer. The land title belongs to the District and therefore only requires a vote at a DEXCOM meeting. Resolution #1 has covered that and it is considered a done deal.
2) TBC does have a say however with Resolution #2. DEXCOM only made a recommendation, and therefore it is non-binding. However, we should be aware that the District has a shared goal of maintaining and revitalizing the Alliance presence in the western part of its largest city.
3) On Sunday, April 21st, immediately after the service, we will have a membership vote (by ballot). All members will be able to either vote "Yes" or "No" to Option 2 (Sell and Move). We would require a 50% +1 majority to pass this motion. If you are unable to be in attendance, please send Pastor Jenn an email at jenn@thebridgechurch.net PRIOR to Saturday at 6pm.
There was an informational meeting held on Sunday, April 14th where there was a time for Q&A. Below is a list of common questions that were asked.
Q: If we vote against Option 2, what happens?
A: Voting against Option 2 means that we will go with option 1 (Sell and Stay) and we will begin the process of that option.
Q: If the District owns the property, will they be the ones who initiate the buyback option if we vote against Option 2?
A: Yes.
Q: Our budget is tight. Where will the money come from for lease payments if we vote in favour of Option 2?
A: Lease payments would come from the proceeds of the land sale. Only those items such as maintenance, property taxes, utilities, that have already been budgeted for will come out of our General Fund.
Q: Will we build a new church?
A: Unlikely. With the cost of land and real property continuing to be on the rise, the board feels that this is too great a financial burden to bear as the proceeds from the land sale would be insufficient.
Q: Do we have to stick to the 3km border indicated by DEXCOM?
A: No. It is a non-binding recommendation, however we do share the same goal of maintaining a western presence here in the city.
Q: When would we have to move by?
A: That will be negotiated with the buyer. Our best guess at this moment is anywhere between 18 months and 3 years. We will also negotiate an early termination by TBC if we find something sooner than the agreed upon timeline.
Q: How will we decide where to move?
A: The Board of Elders will form a subcommittee who will work in partnership with the board as they work alongside the District Superintendent. More information will come in the days and weeks to come.
Q: How does this impact our lead pastor search?
A: This information would be added to a lead pastor search profile about being in transition both pastorally and physically, however the board sees no major impact in their search. Neither does this decision impact our current relationship with Prairie Alliance Church.
Don't see your question here? Feel free to reach out to Pastor Jenn at jenn@thebridgechurch.net or phone/text at 204-880-7693.
Please be in prayer and seeking God's guidance as you prepare for this vote.
Pastor Jenn