Updated Story
Approved by Planning Committee after much debate and many public delegations.
Staff and Councillors noted that a rejection of the application would result in an Ontario Municipal Board hearing which the City was very unlikely to win.
Additional conditions were placed on the development: educational uses (school) or a cemetery are prohibited uses.
The church is not allowed to build housing for clergy on the site.
Original Story
A new rural church will be built on the northeast corner of Brock Road if Councillors agree with the staff recommendation to approve a zoning change.
The zoning will remain agricultural with a special exception to allow the place of worship.
City policy allows rural churches provided the congregation is primarily rural residents, in this case the congregation is composed of 95% rural residents.
There is much opposition from neighbouring farmers due to 300 parking spots, paved surfaces which will increase water runoff, traffic, and lighting which they state will harm the rural atmosphere of the area.
Council will debate at the August 12, 2014 Planning Committee.
Watch Live Coverage of Council’s Planning meeting on Tuesday starting at 9:30am