Review Passes on Church Soup Kitchens

Sarnia council approved a rezoning application governing churches, soup kitchens and food banks Monday. The review sets parking regulations and definitions for places of worship, religious organizations, food banks, and soup kitchens. Councillor Anne-Marie Gillis says, unlike previous reports to council in October and November, it does not define how much square footage can be devoted to such services. "Looking at the way that we were marking down the actual square footage, we were losing a lot of what the intent was," says Gillis. "This, I think, defines what your place of worship is supposed to be." The simplified bylaw is based on a 2002 model. Council passed the application in a 5-3 vote. Councillors Cindy Scholten, Bev MacDougall, and Andy Bruziewicz were opposed.