The new St Rita’s Catholic church in Castlegar could be built by May next year.
Construction has started with the pour of the footings and foundation pad in recent days.
The church was destroyed in an arson attack in March 2013.
Parish priest Father David John says it has a design that the congregation is happy and excited about.
The church will be turned at a 90 degree angle compared to the old one with a lower roof to save on heating costs.
