I am writing in concern to the application the amend the zoning for 410 Clair Road. On Tuesday February 16th, an information meeting was held to answer question about the proposed Sikh Temple. I was happy to see that Ward 6 councillors were in attendance as well as an incredible amount of people from the community who are very concerned with this proposal. It was unfortunate that our councillors were the only ones who attended- too see the amount of people and hear their concerns. Unfortunately, everyone else will hear a great amount of their information from here say or the media. And I feel the media (especially the Guelph Mercury) is doing a very poor job at giving an unbiased view of what he residents are really concerned about. The majority of the concerns are extremely legitimate, however, it is too easy with such a sensitive matter to say it is a race issue.
I have a few points I would like to make:
First of all, in the presentations we have seen from the town (on Feb. 16th and the meeting in Dec. 2009) the Temple is being compared to the old age home previously zoned to placed on that property. The foot print of the two buildings seem to be the main concern when defending the placement of the Temple. Yes, the Temple is indeed much smaller than the old age home. However, the point I think that is most important that has been totally overlooked is the usage. First of all, the old age home was zoned Residential, and this is a residential area- one main reason there hasn’t been the same amount of public outcry. The old age home would have barely any cars parked at it- the residents of the home wouldn’t be driving. There would be staff and visitors. The number of staff and visitors is minimal compared to the amount of people who would visit any religious establishment. As well, it is not in the same capacity. Visitors come and go and not in mass quantities.
Secondly, if this application is passed. I would ask that a cap is placed on the amount of people that the building can hold. At the moment, the capacity is at 400- the building is obviously able to hold much more- so I would ask that it is capped at 400.
Finally, I would hope that if this building is passed, that it would have to undergo that same process that other large buildings in this area have undergone. The Food Basics, The Shoppers Drug Mart and the library to name a few, had to undergo a lot of process and their appearance fits into the look of the community. I would hope that the temple would not be an exception.
Once the planning department makes their recommendations and council votes at a later meeting- I would really hope that council will think of the number of people/residents opposing this structure. And I would like you to question, is this really the best placement for such an establishment. And finally, would you really like this structure to be in your back/front yard. It is definitely not an issue that this temple should not be in Guelph- however it is misplaced in this small residential community.LS