The decision comes after debate over how the Greenbelt may be impacted
Leaders of New Hope Church in St. Catharines are set to expand the church at its current site at First Street Louth by less than an acre.
Regional council voted for it last week, but some were against it citing Greenbelt concern.
Mayor Mat Siscoe pointed out this will not set a precedent in having others want the same. "Denying this right now is not going to turn this into a vineyard, or peach crops, or an agricultural purpose. It hasn't been that for at least 100 years. It is a woodlot with scrub brush."
Church leaders said 100 years of no agriculture isn't likely to change.
Those councillors against the move pointed to city and regional staff recommendations against expansion, since it is on the Greenbelt.
One of those councillors was Andrea Kaiser, who cited concern for the Greenbelt. "And it breaks my heart, quite truly, probably because I come from the wine business, and I think about the fact that we produce 95% of the tender fruit in Ontario, and there's nowhere else!"
Councillor Diana Huson was concerned about the cookie cutter approach, in which yet another small piece of Greenbelt will disappear.
Councillor Peter Secord took exception to those who painted him as someone who's not concerned about farmland, as he was born and raised on a farm in St. Catharines that gotten eaten up by housing development.
Mayor Mat Siscoe also clarified through city staff that council has the authority to make this decision, even though some councillors pointed to provincial rules indicating it didn't have the authority.
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