Sarnia's mayor is concerned proposed changes to the bylaw governing churches, soup kitchens and food banks may be too restrictive.
A rezoning application before city council Monday redetermines definitions and changes zoning on the use of buildings as well as parking.
Mayor Mike Bradley says it's his belief the recommended changes are an intrusion into the affairs of a church.
"I do struggle with why should the city be involved in telling a church how much of their square footage should be a worship area, trying to determine how much parking they should have based on what sort of worship they have there, telling them they have a limitation on how big of a food pantry they could have," he says. "That to me is really a Charter of Rights issue, that is something I don't believe the city should be doing."
Mayor Bradley adds the city works on a complaint basis and would only inspect if a complaint is made.
The information was circulated to 70 religious organizations in July and was also posted to the city's website for public engagement.
Council meets at 4pm Monday.
