Ground breaks on new 18,000-square foot Salvation Army Barrhaven Church  

With a few turns of the shovel, a recent ground-breaking ceremony cleared the way for construction on the new Salvation Army Barrhaven Church in Ottawa.

The new building will serve not only as a place of worship and fellowship for The Salvation Army, but also as a welcoming community hub for neighbourhood events.

“This 18,000-square foot building will be open to anyone, with a large, multipurpose worship space, a commercial kitchen and public meeting rooms in the first phase,” said Major James Mercer of The Salvation Army Barrhaven Church.

Phase two includes a gymnasium and auditorium for community recreation, while the final phase will include a worship centre built on the two-hectare property.

“Our new home will have a contemporary and modern feel and it will be an open and safe venue where people of all ages can gather for meetings, programs, classes, community initiatives, recreation, and worship,” said Major Mercer.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson attended the event to welcome The Salvation Army to Barrhaven.

“Thank you for your perseverance, your great vision for this community in opening this up, not just for your parish and parishioners, but for the broader community,” said Mayor Watson.

“At the end of the day The Salvation Army is there to help those less fortunate in our community and thank you for the great work of The Salvation Army volunteers in times of crisis.”

Salvation Army Divisional Corps Ministries Secretary Major Chris Rideout delivered a blessing and dedication of the property to have God watch and protect everyone that uses the building.

“With this incredible building you will have the space to do all the things you have ever dreamed of doing. You will finally have that community hub that you can invite people into. You can now dream even bigger dreams to being a partner in building a community that is just and knows the love of Jesus,” said Major Rideout.