October 28, 2004 Public Rezoning Meeting
M I N U T E S
OF THE CORPORATION OF THE
MUNICIPALITY OF WEST ELGIN
PUBLIC MEETING
WEST ELGIN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
OCTOBER 28, 2004
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Graham Warwick, Deputy Mayor Bernie Wiehle
Councillors: Trudy Balint, Mary Bodnar, Mike Mooser
STAFF PRESENT: Joanne Groch Administrator/Treasurer
Norma Bryant Clerk
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE:
Ted Halwa Planning Consultant
SUBJECT: REZONING – 214 MONROE STREET, RODNEY
BAPTIST CONVENTION OF ONTARIO & QUEBEC
Also in attendance: Andy Cipu, Russell & Donna Munro, Ed Schneider, Julie Bell,
James Stewart
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 9:45 a.m. The Clerk informed those present
that notice of this meeting had been given under Section 34(12) of the Planning Act by
prepaid first class mail to all assessed owners within 150 metres of the subject property
as well as provincial agencies and ministries as prescribed by regulation. Comments
were received from the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority which indicated no
objections.
The Planner outlined the request to change the zoning of lands located at the southwest
corner of Powell Street and Monroe Street in the Village of Rodney, being Lot 7,
Registered Plan 82, from the Institutional (I) zone to the Residential First Density (R1)
zone. The rezoning is necessary to permit the conversion of a building formerly used as
a church for residential purposes. The lands to be zoned Residential First Density (R1)
comprise a rectangularly-shaped parcel having an area of 647.5 square metres (6,970
square feet), a depth of 40.2 metres (132 feet) and a frontage of 16.1 metres (52.8 feet)
on Monroe Street. The parcel is occupied by a vacant building occupies as a Baptist
Church in excess of 100 years. The applicant, James Stewart and Julie Bell, acting on
behalf of the owner propose to convert the former church into a dwelling. The permitted
uses of the R1 Zone include a single unit dwelling, a home occupation and an accessory
use. The lot, which predates the Zoning By-law, would satisfy the minimum lot area and
minimum lot frontage requirements (580 square metres and 15 metres respectively) of
the R1 zone. A “site-specific” Residential First Density (R1-4) zoning will be considered
to include a “dwelling” as a permit use. The subject lands are designated Residential in
the Village of Rodney Official Plan. The proposed Amendment is considered to be in
conformity with the Plan.
Mr. Schneider presented a letter, which notes that this building is one of the few
available buildings already zoned for a church. The church is not vacant but is currently
rented by the Eastview Bible Ministries of Rodney. Eastview had hoped to work out a
long-term arrangement to use the building. He noted that church was owned by Rodney
people and given to the Baptist Church.
October 28, 2004 …Pg 2 of 2
Ms. Bell reported that the building has been for sale for a long time, prior to Eastview
group renting the building. The Baptist Convention is eager to sell.
Councillor Mooser enquired if Eastview had made an offer to purchase. Mr. Schneider
replied that they had approached the Baptist Convention and had thought they had a
gentleman’s agreement. The Toronto office suggested they submit an offer including
the condition that if Eastview were unable to continue as a group, Eastview would sell
back at the purchase price plus expenses. Then Eastview received a fax noting the
Baptist Convention had changed their minds and requested Eastview submit another bid
which they did not do.
The Deputy Mayor enquired how long the contract is for? Mr. Schneider stated for 6
months, to be renegotiated 3 months prior, 60 days written termination notice. They
received a fax to vacate in 10 days.
The Mayor noted this was probably a real estate deal. The lack of land zoned
institutional is a social issue. He enquired if the Eastview group had looked into sharing
with another church? Mr. Schneider replied that they had but were unsuccessful.
Councillor Bodnar noted that if Eastview can’t continue, we are faced with a vacant
building again.
Mr. Schneider reported that they had looked at the Presbyterian Church in West Lorne.
They didn’t want to sell and were asking high rent.
Mr. Cipu reported that he did not want to happen here what happened on Queen Street.
He is opposed to apartments.
Ms. Bell noted this is for a single dwelling, not apartments.
The Deputy Mayor noted that if we leave as a church, could be empty and then we could
be left with a derelict building in the future.
Councillor Balint noted that a single dwelling is being applied for. If they want
apartments, the zoning would need to be changed.
SUBJECT: ADJOURNMENT
RES. NO. 1 Moved by Mooser
Seconded by Bodnar
RESOLVED that the public meeting concerning a proposed Zoning By-law
Amendment for land located in Lot 7, Plan 82, 214 Monroe Street (Baptist
Church) be hereby adjourned.
DISPOSITION: Carried
th
These minutes were adopted on this 10, day of November, 2004.
______________________________ _______________________________
MAYOR CLERK