A Church Built by Prison Labour, Closed in 2013: Kingston’s Archdiocese Says 16 Homes Would Pay to Save It

• The Church of the Good Thief in Portsmouth Village, Kingston, Ontario, was built in 1894 and closed in 2013
• Zahlco Construction proposed 16 rental units in two six-plexes and a converted rectory
• The Archdiocese of Kingston wants to restore the church as the St Dismas Archives
• Some neighbours objected to density, tree loss and traffic

The Church of the Good Thief at 743 King Street West in Kingston, Ontario, has an unusual history. It was built in 1894 from limestone quarried by inmates of Kingston Penitentiary. It closed in 2013. In January 2020, Global News reported on a plan that would put new rental homes on its grounds to pay for its next life.

Zahlco Construction proposed 16 rental units: two six-plex buildings and four units in the converted rectory, rising to nearly 12 metres, or three storeys, with 22 parking spaces. The Archdiocese of Kingston, which owns the church, wants to restore the building as the St Dismas Archives, and Archbishop Michael Mulhall urged the city not to delay the project.

The local community association backed the plan and spelled out what was at stake. “If the residential development is not approved, financing of the conservation and repurposing of the Church will be significantly impacted,” said Phileen Dickinson, president of the Portsmouth District Community Association.

Not everyone agreed. Nearby property owner Brad Strawbridge said: “The current proposal will completely change the character of the neighbourhood.” Resident Rosemary Wilson said more work was needed “to ensure development is appropriate.” Concerns included density, the removal of trees and traffic.

The case captures a common bargain for historic churches: new homes on part of the site in exchange for the money to preserve the building. It also shows how quickly such plans meet resistance from neighbours who value the open space and the look of a heritage area.

Jamaica has many historic stone churches whose upkeep strains small congregations. The Kingston, Ontario, approach, pairing sensitive housing with restoration, is one route for church boards on the island and for diaspora members who fund repairs, but it works best when the design respects the setting and neighbours are brought in early.

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