In Whitby, a parish centre offers multiple weekend and weekday Masses, the sacraments, faith formation for families and youth, outreach and care for those in need, and an open invitation to newcomers finding a church home. The Holy Family Parish renewal adds close to 10,000 square feet – anchored by a new atrium and rectory that connect to the existing brick and carry light deep into the building. Inside, a skylit arrival, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and calm finishes make movement simple for services, programs, and everyday parish life.
Project Snapshot
- Completion: September 2025
- Area Added: ~10,000 sq ft (atrium and rectory)
- Role: Prime Contractor (General Contractor)
- Project Delivery Team: Renokrew
- Partners: Larkin Architect Limited
The Intent of the Project
Parish life needs clear movement, natural light, and adaptable rooms. The design brings people into a bright atrium, keeps a direct line to the stained glass, and makes every route obvious even during busy services. The spaces feel warm and calm while staying durable for daily use.
In construction, the best safety culture is practical, consistent, and shared out loud. During Safety Month, we kept safety front and centre with real site voices through our “Safety Check in 60 Secs” series: quick, clear reminders that safety is not a poster on a wall, it’s how the krews show up for each other.
Construction Story
Phase 1: Structure and Foundations
We set new foundations with underpinning and shoring to protect the existing building while keeping the parish active. Steel and masonry rose in tight urban conditions, coordinated with city services and parish schedules. The envelope tie-in to the original brick was detailed to ensure dryness, warmth, and continuity.
Phase 2: Envelope, Light, and Air
The atrium and rectory connect cleanly to the original massing. Floor-to-ceiling glazing brings light into the core. A skylight over the atrium creates a calm arrival. Balanced ventilation delivers even air and keeps rooms quiet. The envelope reads as one system across old and new.
Phase 3: Interiors
Gathering rooms are flexible for programs and events, trimmed clean with acoustic ceilings and clear sightlines. The residence suite is suitable for daily use, with a full kitchen and a working fireplace. Washrooms are fully accessible with a roll-in shower and sturdy grab bars. Outside, new walks, curbs, and paving deliver safe winter approaches and smooth arrivals.
Technical Highlights
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Foundations: Underpinning and shoring completed in a live parish setting
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Structure: Steel and masonry with careful sequencing for inspections and lifts
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Envelope: Masonry tie-in, flashing, and thermal breaks to prevent moisture and heat loss
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MEP + BAS: Service upgrades and balanced ventilation for quiet, comfortable rooms
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Life Safety: Coordinated fire separations, devices, and testing before ceiling close-in
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Site Works: Curbs, paving, drainage, and lighting for reliable winter access
Community Milestone
On December 12, Holy Family Parish officially opened the new atrium, meeting spaces, renovated offices, and rectory with a Mass celebrated by His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, followed by the blessing of the renewed spaces. We’re proud to see the building serving parish life exactly as intended, bright, clear, and ready for daily use.
Watch the celebration here: https://youtu.be/6dT4YsOsIcQ?si=anT6_fzrEUCWWdkm
Builder Perspective
We secured the envelope early so interior work could move without interruption. Firestopping and inspections stayed ahead of ceilings. Millwork landed as floors cured. Doors and frames were set square with hardware counts tracking deliveries. Outside, crews shaped grades, placed granular, and timed concrete pours to weather windows, keeping lanes clean and the schedule steady.
The value shows in the day-to-day; you notice it most when the building is full. Arrival is bright and calm, with simple wayfinding from the entry to the nave and program rooms. Universal washrooms and barrier-free routes support every visitor. Durable finishes, balanced ventilation, and a winter-ready approach lower maintenance pressure. The parish now has adaptable spaces for worship, learning, shared meals, and everyday community life.
Outcome
The parish now has a durable hub for worship, learning, and community use. Light, access, and comfort are built into every level-ready for busy Sundays and everyday service.
