Church relocation OK'd
A local church has been given the go-ahead to move its burgeoning congregation into a former fitness facility. City council granted a three-year temporary use permit to the Redeemed Christian Church of God Monday night, allowing the group to relocate to the Carter light industrial area, against the recommendation of city staff.
Administration didn't have any land-use objections to the application, said general manager of planning and development Ian Wells, but worried its approval would set a precedent of allowing non-industrial uses in light industrial areas.
Speaking on behalf of the church, real estate broker Harry Backlin said they've scoured the city for a suitable spot to lease and couldn't find one in the areas of the city already zoned for church use.
Established in 2010, the church's multicultural base has outgrown its present location at 1552 Quinn St., said Backlin. The new location is two blocks away.
It's truly meant to be a temporary home, said Pastor Victor Folorunso.
"We don't intend to buy the place," Folorunso said.
"We're hoping in the near future we'll be able to afford a location we can buy and build a proper structure for church worship."
The reasons to approve the application outweighed those to deny it, said Coun. Terri McConnachie before council amended the recommendation to unanimously give it their approval.
Free ride for bikers
Those participating in Bike to Work Week at the end of the month will again be given another way to get around. Council approved waiving bus fare for people with a Bike to Work Week sticker on their helmet or bike May 25-31, hopefully encouraging those who may be daunted by hills or long distances to use the public transit for part of their cycled commute. According to a staff report to council, no more than two per cent of cash fares will be lost during the week, equaling roughly $250 of lost revenue.
Grant greenlight
In keeping with cycling, council also approved the submission of grant application to the provincial ministry of transportation's BikeBC program for funding of a project to sign and mark bike lanes on arterial routes in the bowl area. Bike lanes aren't marked to the same standard across the city, with the most up-to-date markings found along Winnipeg Street between Third and 15th Avenues.
The grant program would fund up to half of the eligible costs, which in the city's case would be $250,000.
In giving her support of the recommendation, Coun. Jillian Merrick also said she'd like to see work done to keep vehicles from parking in bike lanes. The city's advisory committee on accessibility can also apply for a grant from Farm Credit Canada's AgriSpirit Fund to install an accessible picnic shelter and tables at Duchess Park, providing shelter and much-needed shade at the playground.
-- Charelle Evelyn, Citizen staff
