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- Renovation of St.Paul’s Cathedral church
Renovation work is well underway at St. Paul’s Cathedral in downtown London as part of a major effort to make the historic church more accessible, functional, and welcoming to the broader community.
The updates include adding an accessible ramp, installing air conditioning, and reworking the seating layout. A standout feature is a 27-foot wooden labyrinth being built into the floor. It’s meant to offer a quiet space for reflection, meditation, or simply a break from the busy downtown streets open to people of all beliefs.
Kevin George, Dean of Huron, said the project isn’t just about fixing up an old building. It’s also about rethinking the church’s role in today’s world. “We’ve spent too long trying to live in ways that go back decades, even centuries,” he said. “We want to create a space that reflects who we are today and who we hope to be for the city.”
The renovations are expected to improve how the building functions both as a place of worship and as a space that can support artists, students, and community groups. Flexible seating, better lighting, and improved acoustics will allow for music performances, art events, and even conferences. According to George, “More than ever, people need a space that’s calm, creative, and open.”
While the cost of the project is estimated at around $1.8 million, George said that most of the money so far has come from the church members themselves, with some help from the Diocese of Huron. They are still working on raising more funds.
The Cathedral also operates a weekday food bank and regular community meals, and the changes are expected to help expand these programs, especially during peak times like holidays.
Renovations are expected to be completed by mid-June, just in time for the national General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, which the Cathedral is hosting. Church leaders hope the refreshed space will support religious services and offer a peaceful and inclusive place for anyone passing through the downtown core.
