Lease vs. Build
Lease
- unavailability of suitable space for our unique needs and size
- lease costs are more expensive over the long term
- vulnerability to potential intolerance from government-controlled buildings
- unavailability of an alternative venue similar to Bell Preforming Arts Centre
- vulnerability to short 3-6 month cancellation clauses
- inability to hold regular weeknight events
- unpredictable rates and rising costs
- current ministry centre cannot take advantage of tax breaks as primary gathering space (currently $75,000 annually)
- high costs of mobile infrastructure and technology
- zero equity appreciation
- less up front capital
- no responsibility of ownership and maintenance
- ability to move or change quickly
- in the event of a catastrophic failure, only lease costs are paid out
Build
- high up front costs
- maintenance costs/responsibility
- catastrophic failure may require selling the asset
- the better financial decision when considering the costs over the long term
- an intact investment with appreciating land value
- a building specifically designed for our needs
- the ability to capture video content in a controlled environment which is mission-critical for our church
- we would own and control the venue
- a new facility attracts more people and thus a larger financial base to fund it
- a potential mortgage payment (if necessary) would be less than or equal to what we presently pay in rental costs (assuming the land is owned)
- better use of staff resources and equipment than a mobile infrastructure
- take advantage of significant tax savings
- opportunities to engage the community for concerts, graduations, and other rentals
The Build Decision
When we analyze how much of the Build project requires financing, we see the obvious savings when less financing is required. In all cases, the Build scenario is more favourable than a Lease scenario. This is primarily due to the land value and the appreciation of it (which has already risen +$300K/acre). If we assume the land can be purchased quickly with no financing, this adds additional savings. However, even at 25-50% financing, leasing is still more costly in the long run. (Note: the costs in the analysis only applies to replacing the rentals associated with the Surrey location (Bell), current Ministry Centre, and weekly program rentals in other venues. Rental costs associated with all other locations continue on as is.)
The analysis exposed three key factors that favour a “Build” over “Lease” decision:
- The high level of vulnerability in relying on a Lease solution from public and government facilities given 6-month cancelation clauses as well as growing intolerance;
- The lack of suitable options to lease that fit our needs, even when considering a multi-building/locations solution, and
- The financial analysis showing cost savings of a Build solution over both 20 and 30-year scenarios.
The precarious position we are in now demands a more secure solution within the next 3-5 years.
We are excited about this stable and permanent Ministry Centre in which ministry will be done on a daily basis. A 3 storey building that includes an auditorium with 1,200-1,300 seats to accommodate many events including weekend services. It will also be used for developing leaders, holding conferences/classes, mid-week kids/youth/young adult programs, counselling, local mission, Christian education, Canada-wide operations—reaching out to the city, region and nation with the transforming power of the gospel.