For over a decade VAPC had debated the need and rationale for an upgrade of its building. As we struggled to meet the needs of our congregation and our community in an overcrowded and aging facility, we were inspired by the courage and foresight of the founders of VAPC in first creating the initial building and then augmenting it with our beautiful sanctuary. It became apparent that additional and improved space was required to serve not only our internal needs but also to enable expanded community service. Our internal needs included: spaces for Christian education and a lively youth group, for a vibrant music program and for staff. Our external outreach included: space for seniors activities, pastoral care and room for community outreach activities. A primary consideration in the design was to create additional spaces to permit multiple activities concurrently without interference.

It was during the seeking of an affirmation of our purpose that we arrived at the concept that we were "One In Christ, Reaching Out To Many". We were guided by the principle that the church was not a building but was rather the purposeful people of the congregation, guided by Christian service.

The need for more space to meet our growing mission was recognized in 2004, when the congregation directed the Board of Managers to prepare plans and options for consideration. The result was the formation ofthe Building Expansion Group (BEG) which, after much consultation with the Board of Managers, the congregation and Session, prepared a set of plans for consideration.

At a Special Congregational meeting in October 2006, the preliminary plans were approved. At the subsequent Annual Meeting, in February, 2007, the formation of Building and Fundraising Committees was approved. The work of the newly formed Building Committee led to the presentation of detailed plans, which at a Special Congregational Meeting in April, 2008 formed the basis for approval to submit our plans to the Presbyterian Architectural Committee and to apply for a City of Calgary Building Permit.

On the basis of this work, a cost estimate was arrived at and the amount of borrowing determined. A January 2009 Special Congregational Meeting approved the borrowing of$1,233,100 through the Presbyterian Church Building Corporation. Some preliminary work began in April, 2009 to satisfy the conditions of our Development Permit and with the receipt of notice that our loan was approved, serious construction began in June, 2009.