A local parish has decided to venture into the world of property development.

When Notre Dame De l'Assomption closed one of their three parishes in Transcona, the next logical question was what to do with the newly-vacant property.

The French parish had seen a notable decline in attendance over recent years, believed attributed to a change in the areas demographics resulting in a smaller French presence within the community. The low numbers eventually led to the decision to close the church, said Richard Frechette, financial administrator at Notre Dame De l'Assomption.

"We have another Catholic parish just adjacent to that property, an English church," explained Frechette. After exploring various options, the idea to develop the property arose.

Partnering with local Winnipeg company Discovery Homes and an urban planner, the three entities joined to begin the church's venture into property development.

"It's a win-win for everyone... in developing it as a partner, the church will get more money than if we'd sold to a developer directly, so we do maximize our return.

"At the same time, we still have a hand in what gets built and we are able to control a little bit more what is left behind."

Frechette says that the church hopes to offer some of the condo units being built to their own parishioners at Blessed Sacrament Parish, as well as to any individuals seeking residence in Transcona.

"Certainly it will be opened up to the community in general," he said.

Ultimately, it is hoped that the condo development being undertaken by Notre Dame De l'Assomption will result in additional funding and possibilities for the parish.

Frechette calls the project exciting for the church: "We're developing property and we're part of the excitement that goes along with that... It's been exciting and it's been different and it  to different potential."

The ability to bring people together through the process of developing their property, says Frechette, has also been an important part of their journey so far.

As well, Frechette says that the church hopes as well to continue forming other partnerships in further property development endeavours around the city.

"It's a first for us, but I don't think it will be the last."

Projects such as building apartments with potential for long-term lease agreements and rental units, some to be used by their congregants, are future hopes the church has for this line of expansion.

That doesn't mean, however, that the parish wants to delve into the rental or construction business themselves. Such, says Frechette, is the importance of developing partnerships throughout their development of property.

"I think part of the success of a project like this is to have a good partner, a good company to work with, and people we have confidence in."

30 condominiums will be built according to the plans created by the parish and Discovery Homes following the demolition of the old parish church.

“The condos will be competitively priced for the Transcona market. We hope Transcona residents, especially former parishioners of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption as well as Catholics from Blessed Sacrament parish located right next door will be interested in Leola Village and choose to stay in the neighbourhood.”