Progress being made in case of Ark Aid zoning by-law debate
The battle between Ark Aid Street Mission and the City of London over zoning by-laws entered a new phase on Tuesday, and local advocates are optimistic following a meeting with the city.
On Tuesday, faith leaders met with the deputy city manager to discuss the fate of Ark Aid Street Mission — currently operating in First Baptist Church on London, Ont.’s Richmond Row.
As previously reported by CTV News London, the city handed First Baptist and Ark Aid a zoning by-law infraction because the church is zoned as a place of worship, but according to the city, the current lease with Ark Aid requires it to be zoned as an assembly hall.
Ark Aid has been temporarily operating out of the basement of First Baptist, providing food and showers to hundreds of homeless Londoners each day.
But after Tuesday’s meeting with City of London Deputy City Manager, Scott Mathers, it seems there has been a change of heart by the city as a solution is sought.
“The city is giving this a sober second look which is what we’ve all really wanted, and my hope is that the city will be able to say this was not the best application of this by-law,” says Canon Kevin George of St. Aidan’s Church.
In their argument, faith leaders explained that it’s not the city’s place to tell religious communities who they can partner with in order to deliver services as acts of worship in their place.
But after meeting with the deputy city manager, local advocates are breathing a sigh of relief.
“Scott [Mathers] was very helpful,” says George. “[He] assured me that he would work with faith communities as it relates to the work we’re trying to do with the winter coming on [and] that our communities don’t have to worry about the misapplication of this by-law again.”
Executive Director for Ark Aid Sarah Campbell says that after Tuesday’s meeting, she too is feeling hopeful.
“He [Mathers] let us know that we would not have to worry about our programs being shut down after Oct. 20,” she says. “In fact, we could invite churches and places or worship to serve our community.”
Following the meeting, more than 60 local faith communities came together on Tuesday afternoon to discuss pooling of resources from donations — including physical space and volunteers — in order to continue to support Ark Aid.
Both Campbell and George say the outpouring of support by the community has been heartwarming, and they encourage the community to continue to help by donating and volunteering.
— With files from CTV News London’s Jaden Lee-Lincoln and Daryl Newcombe
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
developing Bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. An 8-year-old child is only survivor
A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.