A legal battle is brewing over an iconic North Burnaby church.
Two congregations (Grace Christian Chapel and Heaven Bridge Church) hold church services and other religious activities at the old Vancouver Heights United Church building on the corner of Albert Street and Ingleton Avenue.
Built in 1926, the church’s castle-like design and three-storey tower have made it a landmark in the Heights neighbourhood for nearly a century.
$2.5 million church real estate deal
The church is currently owned by Grace Christian, but Heaven Bridge claims it made a deal to buy a 50 per cent interest in the property for $2.5 million and that Grace Christian has broken the agreement, according to a lawsuit filed in B.C. Supreme Court last week (July 20).
Heaven Bridge claims the two congregations first made the deal in April 2017, agreeing Heaven Bridge would come up with $1.5 million of the purchase price on its own.
For the rest, Grace Christian would apply for a $1-million mortgage and lend it to Heaven Bridge at an interest rate of three per cent per annum, according to the notice of civil claim.
But Grace Christian was unable to secure the $1-million mortgage, so the two parties agreed “expressly and/or implicitly” to change the agreement.
Heaven Bridge was to obtain the $1 million on its own and pay it to Grace Christian “over time, without a deadline.”
The rest of the agreement was to stay the same, according to the notice of civil claim.
The two congregations made a second agreement in about January 2021.
By that time, Heaven Bridge had paid Grace Christian $1.85 million, according to the claim, and the two congregations agreed Heaven Bridge would pay another $150,000 when the agreement was signed; Grace Christian would then lend it the remaining $500,000 to repay “over time, without a definitive repayment deadline.”
In the meantime, Heaven Bridge claims Grace Christian agreed not to sell the church property without its prior written consent, according to the claim.
Contract breach alleged
By June 2023, Heaven Bridge had paid $2 million toward the purchase of the property and informed Grace Christian it was prepared to repay the loan and complete the deal, according to the notice of civil claim.
But Grace Christian refused to complete the sale, according to Heaven Bridge, announcing instead that it intended to sell the property to a third party.
It listed the property for sale for just under $7.5 million, according to the claim.
Heaven Bridge claims Grace Christian wanted Heaven Bridge to repay the $500,000 without handing over a 50 per cent interest in the property as per the second agreement.
Heaven Bridge also claims Grace Christian tried to “pressure” it to buy “in addition to the Heaven Bridge Interest, the other 50 per cent interest in the Church Property for $3 million, which Heaven Bridge did not expect, and was not in a position to do,” the claim states.
If Heaven Bridge tried to impede the sale or took any legal action, Grace Christian said it would dissolve itself, according to the claim.
Heaven Bridge is now suing Grace Christian for damages for breach of contract.
It is also calling for a court order compelling Grace Christian to live up to the second agreement and for a certificate of pending litigation to be registered against the church property’s title.
Church sues its own lawyer
Heaven Bridge’s former lawyer and her law firm are also being sued for breach of contract and negligence.
The Heaven Bridge hired Fatima Noorullah Qamar and the Deer Lake Law Group in January 2021 to represent its interest in the purchase of the church property and to prepare the second agreement, according to the notice of civil claim.
But Qamar committed errors and omissions, according to Heaven Bridge, including failing to determine the church property was made up of two lots and then failing to include one of the lots in the description of the property in the second agreement.
The second agreement could therefore “potentially be construed” as a contract to buy only 50 per cent of one of the lots and not the whole church property – and that was not the plan, according to Heaven Bridge
“Heaven Bridge never agreed (and would never have agreed) to purchase only 50 per cent of lot 11 for $2.5 million,” the claim states.
Heaven Bridge is asking for a court order to fix the alleged mistake or a different order to rescind the second agreement entirely.
If the agreement is rescinded, Heaven Bridge will sue Grace Christian for $2 million for “unjust enrichment,” according to the claim.
None of the allegations in the notice of civil claim has been proven in court.
Grace Christian, Qamar and Deer Lake Law Groups have not yet filed responses to the allegations.
MONTREAL – Two Quebec real estate brokers are facing fines and years-long suspensions for submitting bogus offers on homes to drive up prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christine Girouard has been suspended for 14 years and her business partner, Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin, has been suspended for nine years after Quebec’s authority of real estate brokerage found they used fake bids to get buyers to raise their offers.
Girouard is a well-known broker who previously starred on a Quebec reality show that follows top real estate agents in the province.
She is facing a fine of $50,000, while Dauphinais-Fortin has been fined $10,000.
The two brokers were suspended in May 2023 after La Presse published an article about their practices.
One buyer ended up paying $40,000 more than his initial offer in 2022 after Girouard and Dauphinais-Fortin concocted a second bid on the house he wanted to buy.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 11, 2024.
MONTREAL – The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers says Montreal-area home sales rose 9.3 per cent in August compared with the same month last year, with levels slightly higher than the historical average for this time of year.
The association says home sales in the region totalled 2,991 for the month, up from 2,737 in August 2023.
The median price for all housing types was up year-over-year, led by a six per cent increase for the price of a plex at $763,000 last month.
The median price for a single-family home rose 5.2 per cent to $590,000 and the median price for a condominium rose 4.4 per cent to $407,100.
QPAREB market analysis director Charles Brant says the strength of the Montreal resale market contrasts with declines in many other Canadian cities struggling with higher levels of household debt, lower savings and diminishing purchasing power.
Active listings for August jumped 18 per cent compared with a year earlier to 17,200, while new listings rose 1.7 per cent to 4,840.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2024.
In the quest to find cities where renters can enjoy the best of all worlds, a recent study analyzed 24 metrics across three key categories—Housing & Economy, Quality of Life, and Community. The study ranked the 100 largest cities in Canada to determine which ones offer the most to their renters.
Here are the top 10 cities that emerged as the best for renters in 2024:
St. John’s, NL
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, stand out as the top city for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming community, St. John’s offers an exceptional quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing, a robust economy, and low unemployment rates, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching living experience. Its rich history, picturesque harbour, and dynamic arts scene further enhance its appeal, ensuring that renters can enjoy both comfort and excitement in this charming coastal city.
Sherbrooke, QC
Sherbrooke, Quebec, emerges as a leading city for renters in Canada for 2024, offering a blend of affordability and quality of life. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Townships, Sherbrooke is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and strong community spirit. The city provides affordable rental options, low living costs, and a thriving local economy, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both comfort and economic stability. With its rich history, numerous parks, and dynamic arts and education sectors, Sherbrooke presents an inviting environment for renters looking for a well-rounded lifestyle.
Québec City, QC
Québec City, the capital of Quebec, stands out as a premier destination for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage, this city offers an exceptional quality of life. Renters benefit from affordable housing, excellent public services, and a robust economy. The city’s charming streets, historic sites, and diverse culinary scene provide a unique living experience. With top-notch education institutions, numerous parks, and a strong sense of community, Québec City is an ideal choice for those seeking a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle.
Trois-Rivières, QC
Trois-Rivières, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, emerges as a top choice for renters in Canada. This historic city, known for its picturesque riverside views and rich cultural scene, offers an appealing blend of affordability and quality of life. Renters in Trois-Rivières enjoy reasonable housing costs, a low unemployment rate, and a vibrant community atmosphere. The city’s well-preserved historic sites, bustling arts community, and excellent educational institutions make it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Saguenay, QC
Saguenay, located in the stunning Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, is a prime destination for renters seeking affordable living amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its picturesque fjords and vibrant cultural scene, Saguenay offers residents a high quality of life with lower housing costs compared to major urban centers. The city boasts a strong sense of community, excellent recreational opportunities, and a growing economy. For those looking to combine affordability with a rich cultural and natural environment, Saguenay stands out as an ideal choice.
Granby, QC
Granby, nestled in the heart of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, offers renters a delightful blend of small-town charm and ample opportunities. Known for its beautiful parks, vibrant cultural scene, and family-friendly environment, Granby provides an exceptional quality of life. The city’s affordable housing market and strong sense of community make it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful yet dynamic place to live. With its renowned zoo, bustling downtown, and numerous outdoor activities, Granby is a hidden gem that caters to a diverse range of lifestyles.
Fredericton, NB
Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, offers renters a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful riverfront, and welcoming community, Fredericton provides an excellent quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing options, scenic parks, and a strong educational presence with institutions like the University of New Brunswick. Its rich cultural heritage, coupled with a thriving local economy, makes Fredericton an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Saint John, NB
Saint John, New Brunswick’s largest city, is a coastal gem known for its stunning waterfront and rich heritage. Nestled on the Bay of Fundy, it offers renters an affordable cost of living with a unique blend of historic architecture and modern conveniences. The city’s vibrant uptown area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, while its scenic parks and outdoor spaces provide ample opportunities for recreation. Saint John’s strong sense of community and economic growth make it an inviting place for those looking to enjoy both urban and natural beauty.
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC
Saint-Hyacinthe, located in the Montérégie region of Quebec, is a vibrant city known for its strong agricultural roots and innovative spirit. Often referred to as the “Agricultural Technopolis,” it is home to numerous research centers and educational institutions. Renters in Saint-Hyacinthe benefit from a high quality of life with access to excellent local amenities, including parks, cultural events, and a thriving local food scene. The city’s affordable housing and close-knit community atmosphere make it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Lévis, QC
Lévis, located on the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River across from Quebec City, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. Known for its picturesque views and well-preserved heritage sites, Lévis is a city where history meets contemporary living. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with excellent public services, green spaces, and cultural activities. The city’s affordable housing options and strong sense of community make it a desirable place for renters looking for both tranquility and easy access to urban amenities.
This category looked at factors such as average rent, housing costs, rental availability, and unemployment rates. Québec stood out with 10 cities ranking at the top, demonstrating strong economic stability and affordable housing options, which are critical for renters looking for cost-effective living conditions.
Québec again led the pack in this category, with five cities in the top 10. Ontario followed closely with three cities. British Columbia excelled in walkability, with four cities achieving the highest walk scores, while Caledon topped the list for its extensive green spaces. These factors contribute significantly to the overall quality of life, making these cities attractive for renters.
Victoria, BC, emerged as the leader in this category due to its rich array of restaurants, museums, and educational institutions, offering a vibrant community life. St. John’s, NL, and Vancouver, BC, also ranked highly. Québec City, QC, and Lévis, QC, scored the highest in life satisfaction, reflecting a strong sense of community and well-being. Additionally, Saskatoon, SK, and Oshawa, ON, were noted for having residents with lower stress levels.
For a comprehensive view of the rankings and detailed interactive visuals, you can visit the full study by Point2Homes.
While no city can provide a perfect living experience for every renter, the cities highlighted in this study come remarkably close by excelling in key areas such as housing affordability, quality of life, and community engagement. These findings offer valuable insights for renters seeking the best places to live in Canada in 2024.
