Temples aren't doomed: Churches help tackle Edmonton's housing crisis

It used to be the churches, mosques, synagogues and temples were on the lookout for converts.

Now, many of them are looking to be converted.

There’s a perfect storm happening right now. Attendance at faith institutions is dwindling. In many areas, these places of worship get preferred tax status, or don’t pay property tax at all. Still, because of shrinking attendances and fundraising efforts, many of the building are falling into disrepair. Surrounding parking lots are empty.

Meanwhile, cities like Edmonton are looking for places where dense, urban affordable housing can be offered. But the move to fast-track infill projects in mature neighbourhoods has been met with opposition. City council placed some architectural controls on infill over the summer, but, after a week-long debate, a