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Group raises $35,000 to battle city decision on Muslim prayer centre
11-15-2017
A group of local residents have raised $35,000 to hire a lawyer to appeal the development of a Muslim prayer centre on Erbsville Road.
The group, which calls itself “Residents Opposing 510 Erbsville Rd. Rezoning” posted on Facebook Friday that an Ontario Municipal Board appeal has been scheduled to be heard on Jan. 25, 2018, in Waterloo.
The post claims the group has raised $35,000, “to retain a very experienced lawyer and his team specialized in OMB cases.”
But they are still looking for more financial support.
“Our appeal, now trusted to our lawyer, still in need for your continued attention, participation, and financial support,” reads the post. “For that reason, please keep in mind that our fundraising campaign continue to open to all caring residents.”
In June, Waterloo city council approved the requested rezoning of the land at 510 Erbsville Rd. in north Waterloo that would allow it to be used for institutional (i.e. religious) purposes.
It was thought to be the end of a years-long battle between the local Muslim Association of Canada chapter and residents in the area that claimed they did not want the noise, traffic and potential environmental damage that would be caused by the rezoning. But others called out the opposition to plan as being racially motivated and a case of Islamophobia, and there were flyers and YouTube videos posted supporting those divisive arguments.
Brian Bourke, the ward councillor, said he believes the city did its due diligence in hearing concerns and making a sound decision on the rezoning application, but he respects the group’s right to appeal.
“I’m surprised in one way because we certainly thought that as a council and as a city, we did everything that we are supposed to do. On the other hand, with the amount of opposition I’m not surprised,” said Bourke, adding that the final decision will be with the OMB.
During the June 26 council meeting, dozens spoke either for or against the development. It was kept to only development issues regarding the property and any talk about religious differences were shut down by city councillors.
In the post on the Facebook page, it's claimed the Waterloo West Community Association raised the funds for the lawyer. According to the City of Waterloo’s list of neighbourhood and community associations, there is no group by that name registered with the municipality.
According to the Ontario Municipal Board, Hong (Hope) Yang is the official appellant for the appeal. When asked for comment about the appeal, Yang, a local real estate agent, referred all questions to the lawyer hired by the group.
The rezoning approved by the City of Waterloo in June does not include any construction; it merely allows the building to be used for institutional purposes. The Muslim Association of Canada does plan to build a prayer centre on the land, but not for at least 10 years.
A message to the opposition group’s Facebook page for additional comment went unanswered. A pre-hearing is scheduled for Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. in Waterloo council chambers at 100 Regina St. S.
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