I am writing this note to express my opposition to the proposed re-zoning application which would allow a religious establishment to be erected at 410 Clair Road in Guelph.
Let me start by saying that I totally empathize with the Sheikh community in their effort to find a proper and conducive place to build their temple of worship. I can also see where the City in its effort to appease the needs and wants of its diversified community would like to support this cause. The problem lies with the affect it will have on the surrounding neighbourhood if this motion is allowed to be carried out. Similar to the cause of the Sheikh community to have their place of worship, there are a large number of homeowners pre-existing in the surrounding area that have an equal and legitimate right and cause to oppose the construction of a dwelling of the proposed size and scope in such close proximity. I view myself as one of these affected homeowners and I would like to outline a number of reasons why I feel so strongly opposed to this re-zoning application:
The size and magnitude of the building lends itself to be totally inappropriate for the residential community that will surround it and pre-existed. Consider that this building’s height will be the equivalent of over 7 stories and would represent over 36,000 sq. ft. of floor space. This would represent a major imposing structure totally in conducive to the surrounding residential area.
When we bought our home in Westminster Woods, there were a number of pre-conditions and zoning designations that were clearly disclosed to us at the time. Among the various designated amenities included were a proposed public school at the corner of Goodwin and Hall Avenue, a variety residential buildings including townhouses, apartment building condos, a series of various size lots, as well as a protected green space and an approved site for a future retirement community facility at 410 Clair Road. My wife and I were able to take all these factors into account when making our decision on how the neighbourhood would look like. Our decision to enter into a contractual agreement with Reid’s to build our home was based on knowing beforehand what major building structures were going to exist. Nowhere was there any mention of a religious establishment in the area of development under question. I can tell you right now that if there was, we would not have bought where we did because it would have been something we were not prepared to live with in our immediate vicinity. Regardless whether the proposed religious establishment would be of the same religious denomination as our own faith or any other, our opinion would be the same. Namely, that we would not be prepared to compromise any religious establishment in our immediate neighbourhood. Westminster Woods never had any such establishment as part of the development’s design. Fast track two years ahead to the present and we are now being forced to contend with a proposal that has enormous ramifications. It is unfortunate that the retirement complex did not come to fruition. Simply because the original plan did not happen does not entitle City Planners to grant approval for the construction of a building of such diverse scope and design in its place. Aesthetically, it would hinder the view of the rest of the skyline. It would have other widespread negative impact including possible parking congestion, noise and traffic concerns for the many families and homeowners who bought into the area prior. There is also speculation as to the extend of activity that will take place if this temple is allowed to be built. I was born and raised in Guelph and have seen it grow ten-fold. I recall many occasions over the years residing in the Royal City where proposed buildings were not permitted because of the impact on the skyline. The design of the temple lends itself to be viewed in a similar fashion.
What I feel is the right thing to do is to allow such a building to be incorporated into an urban development project where it be made a so-called ‘zoning designation’ so potential homebuyers will know upfront what they will have in their vicinity and grant them the fair opportunity to make their decision based on the factors in play. That is the right thing to do, not what is being propose with this re-zoning application that will put an entire neighbourhood in turmoil. Another alternative would be to seek a location in a commercial area or in one of our city’s business parks so it would not be an imposition on residential community. I believe there has been effort to pursue this second option in the past and I believe should remain a more viable alternative. The voice of the residents of Westminster Woods need to be heard and as much as City Council may wish to appease the needs of a religious community wanting their rightful place of worship, Council also have an obligation to take into account the voices and opinions of their tax-paying electorate. As such, 410 Clair Road is not the right location to allow such an establishment to be built, therefore, its application should be decline.
What is complicating matters for me is the fact that in my line of work, I have come to know and have conducted business with a number of the board members of the Sheikh Society of Guelph. My ongoing relationship with a number of these board members makes my opposition to their cause a delicate one. I can attest to the character of various members putting forth this application and can say they are well-respected, up-standing citizens of our local community. I have no personal issues with any of them. In fact, as I have already stated, I totally empathize with their desire to establish a temple for their religious activities. I don’t want anyone to perceive my opinion to be prejudice in any way. In fact, I would put my reputation on the line and challenge anyone to prove it to be anything other than one that has always exemplified an empathetic and open mind to the needs of our diverse demographic community. As such, I can stand proud in my opposition knowing my viewpoint has no racial or prejudice slant, but one of a worthy resident defending the right of his family and many of his neighbours to have a surrounding community that promotes a residential environment conducive to merging homes and nature without an imposing building that contradicts everything what the area was designed to do. There has been some coverage in the media about the opposition to this re-zoning request as being racially motivated. It is unfortunate and any truth to this claim certainly stems from ignorance and should be viewed as deplorable. Nonetheless, the rest of us must weigh the facts and consider how the final decision will impact everyone and the status quo without feeling pressure. I would hope that those in a position to vote for or against this proposal do so with a clear conscience, without concern or worry that a vote other than in favour of the re-zoning would give the perception of not adhering to the needs of a local ethnic community. The decision has a much larger scope and involves a much greater populace.
Unfortunately, because of my professional relationship with a number of the board members, I will not be able to attend either of the meetings slated for February or March 1st. Notwithstanding, I view this matter very seriously because of the affect it will have on not only myself and my family, but a large percentage of the residents of our neighbourhood. Many of my neighbours have already expressed their views to City Council with respect to their opposition to the construction of a religious establishment at the 410 Clair Road site. In lieu of my planned absence from these meetings, I will make myself available to discuss this issue further with any of the various members of City Council. I do ask that my name be kept confidential because of my business dealings with several of the members advocating for this application. OF