We are writing because we are concerned with a recent PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE that we received. It is in regard to the property known as 410 Clair Road East. This recent notice advised that a “Proposed Church Building”… Sikh Temple is to be constructed in this spot.
We (the neighbourhood around 410 Clair Road East) are very concerned. This neighbourhood is a beautiful and quiet residential area that would be dramatically altered by bringing in a Temple or any other facility this large. Parking problems are always an inherent problem with a development such as this. Since the subject land backs onto a residential street (Goodwin Drive), many residences will be interfered with. The subject land is too small and inadequate. There are two other Religious establishments in the south end community. One is the Baptist Church located on Arkell Road. The second is the Salvation Army Church, located on Gordon near Arkell. Both of these Churches are located in an isolated, non residential area on large properties. Both of these Churches have greater then 400 parking spots available to them which is significantly more then the 176 parking spaces that have been designated for the Proposed Temple on Clair. PARKING WILL BE A DEFINITE PROBLEM AND THERE IS NO OVERFLOW RELIEF OTHER THEN ONTO QUIET RESIDENTIAL ROADS. THIS CONGESTION OF RESIDENTIAL ROADS WILL PRESENT SAFETY CONCERNS FOR THE COMMUNITY.
In addition, throughout the year many religious celebrations are held at these Temples which results in loud noise. This area of Guelph is too confined and too close to a quiet residential neighbourhood to be considered an appropriate place for this temple. We believe the city of Guelph should educate themselves further and provide the Sikh Community with an appropriate and suitable area to build their religious establishment.
There are several Sikh’s that live in this community that we consider great neighbours and hope that they will be given a suitable area to build their Temple. G&B Z