Sarnia's River City Vineyard. BlackburnNews.com file photo.Sarnia's River City Vineyard. BlackburnNews.com file photo.
Sarnia

River City Pastor Glad Shelter Battle Finally Over

River City Vineyard has been awarded $90,000 in court costs in its legal battle with the city over its homeless shelter on Mitton St.

The awarding of costs is detailed in a 14-page ruling released Friday by the Ontario Court of Appeal.

The prolonged legal battle, ultimately won by the Church, cost it $163,000 and the city over $168,000.

An offer from River City to accept $125,000 was narrowly defeated by city council in July by a 4-3 vote.

The issue of costs then went back to the court for a decision.

River City Pastoral Team Leader George Esser says he's glad it's finally over.

[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Esser-1-Reaction.mp3"][/audio]

Esser says they continue to work on reopening their homeless shelter that was closed in June 2014 after an initial Superior Court ruling in favour of the city.

The Ontario Court of Appeal overturned the lower court ruling saying the city's zoning bylaw had been misinterpreted.

-With files from Briana Carnegie.

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