An inside look at the Ottawa church property turned 'Embassy' for the United People of Canada
It’s a historic building in Ottawa’s Lowertown.
It was once a church, then a community arts and cultural centre, and now the United People of Canada (TUPOC) is looking to revitalize and repurpose St. Brigid's church, and this is what it looks like right now.
The TUPOC's purchase of the historic church is also raising questions and concerns from some members of the community, who align the group with February's "Freedom Convoy" occupation of downtown Ottawa.
A look behind the doors of this historic Lowertown building shows what TUPOC are calling their ‘Embassy’, and project director William Komer said it’s part of a larger plan.
"We're repurposing infrastructure, right here at St. Brigid’s, and throughout the country we're going to be acquiring a number of properties, acreage and different assets to create vibrant community spaces," Komer said.
The United People of Canada plan to purchase the historic St. Brigid's Church in Lowertown. (Jeremie Charron/CTV News Ottawa)
The former St. Brigid's project would include a café in a space that once was a pub, as well as a stage for musical performances and speaking sessions, and a co-working space.
"The goal of St. Brigid's is to in part to bring back to the community what was a great community space, previous to it being shut down," Komer said.
It is already a gathering point for TUPOC supporters, who insist this group is a separate cause from February's "Freedom Convoy" occupation.
"It's welcoming all kinds of people, not only freedom fighters. I am a freedom fighter, but I've seen other people that are here for other reasons," one person told CTV News Ottawa, who was attending the TUPOC Sunday BBQ.
"A lot of the same people are in both groups, but they're not connected; they're not part of a bigger organization," another person said..
The project has not come without critics, some aligning this group with the freedom movement. One of the group's directors describes herself as an adviser to Tamara Lich's partner.
"Somebody is you know praying with somebody's partner, how does that affiliate them with something the public is associating their partner with, it just doesn't make sense to us," said Komer.
In a letter to area residents, Coun. Mathieu Fleury said St. Brigid's, "Is a beloved institution with longstanding community ties and history. I am concerned about losing this and seeing a group not linked to our city or community take over this local community's historic space."
The United People of Canada's project director William Komer takes CTV News Ottawa on a tour of the old St. Brigid's Church in Lowertown. (Jeremie Charron/CTV News Ottawa)
The group has a message for its detractors.
"If anyone has any questions or concerns, this is our sixth weekend of being available to address any community questions, receive input, and have involvement," Komer said.
The group said they have had issues with vandalism and that several flags have been damaged or taken down.
The property is still in the process of being acquired. It was on the market for nearly $6 million.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.