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 Police investigating shooting outside of Drake's Bridle Path mansion: source
Toronto police are investigating a shooting that took place outside of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion early Tuesday morning, a source tells CP24.
Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition
Sporting mullets, Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets placed second in an annual military skills competition in the U.S.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
Your body needs these three forms of movement every week
Movement is movement, right? Not exactly. Here’s what your body is looking for in addition to your morning walk or yoga session, according to experts.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
Quebec to limit sperm donations per donor after 3 men from same family father hundreds of children
Quebec is looking at tightening the regulations around sperm donation in the province following the release of a documentary that revealed three men from the same family fathered hundreds of children.
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Highlights from the 2024 Met Gala exhibit: Sleeping Beauty would wake up for these gowns
Sure, she was a royal princess and all. But there’s no way Sleeping Beauty — either before or after her nap — ever had quite the fabulous wardrobe that’s been assembled at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.