Reclaiming a Beacon of Hope: The Story of 1295 North Service Road
In the heart of Burlington, Ontario, stands a building that is more than just a physical structure; it is a symbol of hope, faith, and community. This is the story of 1295 North Service Road, a building reclaimed for a higher purpose by Crossroads and YES TV, a testament to the enduring power of vision and faith.
The Visionary Beginnings
The story of this iconic building began with Rev. David Mainse, the founder of Crossroads and a pioneer in faith and values media content in Canada. In 1992, Crossroads moved from its rented studio location at 100 Huntley Street in Toronto to 1295 North Service Road in Burlington, ON. The decision was driven by both economic considerations and the strategic location at the crossroads of some of Canada’s busiest highways, enhancing visibility and accessibility.
From its inception, the building was envisioned as a beacon of faith—a place where people could find solace, inspiration, and community, a wellspring of hope that radiated across the nation through its broadcasts. It housed the production of 100 Huntley Street, Canada’s longest-running daily television program, which became a cornerstone of Crossroads’ mission to share the transformative stories of faith with the world. Thousands of guests—whether celebrities, world-renowned Bible teachers, sports figures, political leaders, or ordinary people—have come through the Crossroads studios to tell stories of God’s redemptive love.
The Birth of YES TV
From the same location, Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. launched Crossroads Television Systems in 1998, known today as YES TV. As one of the first religious broadcasters in Canada, YES TV was a groundbreaking faith and values network that quickly became a source of positive, family-friendly entertainment. Licensed by the CRTC as a religious channel, it reaches 6.8 million homes nationwide, offering a mix of popular shows and original content that uplifts and inspires. YES TV also sells airtime to other ministry programs, expanding its reach and impact within the faith community.
YES TV’s new app and website now offer live streaming of primetime favourites like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, as well as Crossroads programs, available to internet users in Canada.
A Place of Prayer and Support
Beyond broadcasting, the building at 1295 North Service Road has become a hub for spiritual support. Crossroads’ 24/7 prayer lines, which answer up to 1,300 calls daily, offer a lifeline of hope to those in need of prayer and guidance. This service is a testament to Crossroads’ commitment to being there for people in their moments of need, anytime, anywhere.
God’s Provision in Times of Challenge
However, the journey was not without its challenges. Crossroads faced financial difficulties and lacked the means to support the aging building, forcing its sale. Under new ownership, the building was modernized, improving its facilities and infrastructure. By God’s providence and following consecutive years of surplus revenue, YES TV was able to purchase and redeem the building through a receivership process. This act of reclamation is a powerful testimony of perseverance and a step of faith that has reignited hope in our mission. Support for the ministry and our ‘Ignite Hope: Power in Unity’ vision campaign is essential for us moving forward. As it is written, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
It’s not just the building—God is working in miraculous ways at Crossroads, reaffirming that He is with us, guiding our way, and revealing His plan for this ministry.
Today’s Media Projects
Today, 1295 North Service Road is bustling with vibrant media projects that continue to inspire and uplift. The flagship program, 100 Huntley Street, remains a cornerstone of Christian broadcasting across Canada. See Hear Love with Melinda Estabrooks provides a platform for women to engage in heartfelt discussions on faith and life. Hey Meisha! engages children with dynamic, Bible-based content, while My Single Story offers insights and encouragement for Christians navigating singleness. Additionally, Crossroads Prayer Centre is expanding through Anyone Pray, and the Royal Anthems project brings together Canadian worship leaders and songwriters to create music that resonates with the global Church. These projects exemplify Crossroads’ commitment to producing diverse and impactful media that reaches a wide audience.
A Legacy of Hope
The reclamation of 1295 North Service Road and its new name, Crossroads Unity Commons, is not just a physical restoration but a spiritual one. It is a place where faith, hope, and community intersect, creating a beacon of light that stretches to the corners of the earth. As Crossroads and YES TV continue to innovate and adapt, they remain rooted in their purpose to reveal the transforming story of Jesus through inspiring and innovative media to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
This building, once a dream, now stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, faith, providence, and community come together. It is a story of redemption, of reclaiming a space for a higher purpose, and of the enduring power of hope in Jesus.
In the words of our CEO Kevin Shepherd, “I am deeply suspicious that God is up to something good!”
