CANADA
CBC News
By Jennifer Ludlow, CBC News Posted: Aug 19, 2016
Former church properties in Nova Scotia continue to be sold by the Roman Catholic Diocese in Antigonish as a way to pay for the 2009 sex-abuse settlement, with the buildings’ fates ranging from new businesses to arson.
A $15-million settlement was reached in 2009 with victims of sexual abuse by priests dating back to 1950. The diocese is selling land and properties to cover that cost.
“That was our first priority — to make sure that the victims were compensated,” said Rev. Paul Abbass, chairman of the diocese’s real estate committee. “That’s all been complete, but we’re still paying on loans.”
He said some churches like St. Anthony Daniel in Sydney are attracting attention, but not sales. He says it can take a year to seal a deal.
Holy Family converts into funeral home
Trevor Tracey of Glace Bay bought the former Holy Family Church. He now runs TJ Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialist out of the old sanctuary.
“This building met the criteria that I would need for a funeral home,” he said. “It was unfortunate for the church having to close, but it was a blessing for me to receive it and still to have it as a place where people can come to gather to celebrate a life.”
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