Article categories: News
Vaasa is exploring options for covering the Old Vaasa ruins – residents are asked to share their views in an online survey
Published: 15.8.2025
The City of Vaasa has conducted a preliminary study on options for covering the Old Vaasa ruins. The report will be available for public viewing from 15 August to 14 September 2025. Alongside the study on the possible covering, a survey will be carried out to gather residents’ views on the proposal.
The study is being carried out as a follow-up to a City Council initiative (VAASA/635/00.02.05.00/2022). The preliminary study explored the possibility of covering the ruins from several perspectives and outlined five possible options. At one end of the spectrum are lightweight structures, such as different types of temporary tents or canopies, intended for short-term use, for example during events or the summer season. At the other end of the spectrum is a permanent structure, designed to follow the roof shape of the historic burned-down church.
– Covering the ruins would allow for a wider range of uses and enhance their appeal as a tourist attraction. A rain shelter would also help reduce strain on the ruins and limit their exposure to the elements. On the other hand, a potential covering and increased use would place new demands on the site. Moreover, the old graves within the ruins must also be taken into consideration. Overall, it is a matter of reconciling conflicting interests, says Petur Eklund, City Geodesist.
A detailed cost estimate for the covering is not yet available, as the expenses will depend on the chosen method of implementation. The project would be a significant investment, but if a decision is made to construct the covering, efforts will be made to secure external funding. However, it is clear that external funding and additional revenue from tourism would cover only part of the investment.
The city is gathering residents’ views through a survey
As part of the preliminary study, a Webropol survey will be conducted for residents.
– The ruins of St. Mary’s Church are an important part of Vaasa’s history, and as such, the matter concerns the city’s residents. That is why the City of Vaasa is seeking residents’ views on covering the ruins, says Eklund.
The survey will be conducted online only. Residents can also submit their own views or more detailed feedback to the city Registry. The discussion on the actual implementation of the covering will continue in the autumn when residents’ views gathered through the survey will also be reviewed.
The survey will be open until 14 September 2025. You can take the survey here (in Finnish and in Swedish).
The preliminary study can be found here (in Finnish).