A third report on the state of Windsor's historical Assumption Church and efforts to repair it offers three suggestions including selling the building.
However, that is not the preferred option.
The report written by Paul Mullins said that would "betray the legacy recognizing the centuries of service rendered by the Basilian priests, and by our French and Indigenous predecessors."
The report, released at 9 a.m. Saturday recommends going ahead with installing a new copper shingle roof and plaster repairs inside the building.
Restoration of the Rosary Chapel and Sacristy area would have to wait.
The third option would be to go ahead with a full restoration.
Parishioners gather for what may be the last service at Assumption Church on November 2, 2014. (Photo by Jason Viau)
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A campaign to make necessary repairs started a decade ago and Assumption Church has been unoccupied for more than five years now.
The last report updated estimates for the full restoration of Assumption Church at up to $26-million.
An interim fundraising target was set for $20-million, but a $5-million pledge from local philanthropist Al Quesnel, subject to funds being matched by the community, is set to expire this August. At the time Quesnel made his commitment, the Diocese of London had pledged $1-million, and various donors had informally anted up $3.25-million.
The Diocese has met with 20 potential donors since and several have declined to participate while others have not yet decided. Others have yet to be contacted.
While basic maintenance has continued on the church and minimal heating has been maintained, Mullins wrote, "another year of delay can add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the ultimate cost because of inflation and because of ongoing deterioration of the building."
The report paints a picture of a historic landmark in continual decline.
"The building shows ongoing deterioration of the plaster with evidence of scaling of plaster that is falling from the walls to the floor in some areas," it said noting it is common in buildings that have stood vacant for any period.
The Diocese also continues to explore ways to broaden the church's use to include an Indigenous and French museum, meeting space for community groups, and even the potential for bused tours to the church.
