Diocesan Property, Planning and Building Committee
The Diocesan Property, Planning and Building Committee serves as a vital advisory body to the Bishop of Peterborough. The committee ensures that all diocesan and parish physical assets are managed with careful stewardship, pastoral foresight, and financial responsibility. By evaluating property care, construction projects, and long-term pastoral planning, the committee helps the parish faith communities maintain safe, beautiful, and sustainable spaces for worship and ministry.
Mandate and Purpose
The primary role of the committee is to review, evaluate, and provide formal recommendations to the Bishop and the Diocesan Council for Economic Affairs regarding the temporal goods of the Diocese.
The committee focuses on three core areas:
- Property Management: Reviewing proposals for the purchase, sale, lease, or transfer of diocesan and parish lands and buildings.
- Strategic Planning: Assessing the long-term viability of parish structures and recommending adjustments based on changing demographic and pastoral needs.
- Building and Renovation: Evaluating major construction, restoration, and repair projects to ensure structural integrity, liturgical appropriateness, and financial viability.
Key Responsibilities
To fulfill its mandate, the committee actively collaborates with pastors, parish finance councils, and diocesan administration to perform the following duties:
- Project Review: Evaluates all proposed parish building projects, renovations, or repairs that exceed the established diocesan financial threshold.
- Technical Guidance: Provides expertise on architectural, engineering, environmental, and contractual matters to ensure projects comply with municipal building codes and diocesan standards.
- Heritage Preservation: Oversees the historical and architectural preservation of our sacred spaces, ensuring that renovations respect the liturgical and artistic heritage of the Catholic tradition.
- Risk Management: Identifies potential liabilities related to property maintenance and ensures proper safety measures are in place across all diocesan locations.
When to Contact the Committee
Parish leadership must consult with the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Office of Temporal Affairs, and submit proposals to the Property, Planning and Building Committee before undertaking major property initiatives.
Consultation is required for:
- Any new construction, structural alteration, or major building renovation.
- Repair or restoration projects exceeding the diocesan spending limit.
- The buying, selling, or leasing of any parish property or rectory.
- Demolition or decommissioning of existing structures.
Current Committee Membership
Bishop Miehm
Deb McRae
Peter Brady
Jim Callaghan
Fr. Max Delamour
Kevin Grubb
Jim Lynch
Pat Moran