Tuesday, July 31, 2001

Sikh temple one step away

It took council more than three hours to do it, but in the end the proposed Sikh Temple in the Starlane Subdivision passed third reading. That means the temple is only one step away from becoming a reality.

Acting Mayor Shirley Gratton was the only member of council who voted against the application, saying she had traffic concerns about the project.

The other five councillors in attendance _ Don Bassermann, Dan Rogers, Cliff Dezel, Bruce Strachan and Gord Leighton _ supported the project.

Mayor Colin Kinsley and councillors Don Zurowski and Don Grantham were absent.

About 100 people flooded into council chambers for Monday's public hearing to discuss the controversial proposal.

A select few of the more than 100 area residents who signed a petition opposing the two-storey gurdwara (temple) voiced their concerns, which mostly involved traffic congestion, parking problems and aesthetic appearance.

They also pointed out there is already the smaller Kingdom Hall next door to the proposed site, which they say fits in better with the bungalow-style houses in the area, as well as another church being proposed in the area.

Members of the Guru Nanak Sikh Darbar Society feel the property will enhance the inadequate services available to their Prince George membership, and will also be a positive addition to the neighbourhood.

``It adds a moral and spiritual fibre to a community,'' said Bally Basi, adding the need for another Sikh temple is in keeping with a growing Prince George community.

Kanwal Gill said Sundays are the busiest time when 150 -200 people may show up for worship throughout the morning. As for the rest of the week, when the temple is used as a community centre, he said there may be 10 or 15 people using the facility.

Traffic engineers have looked at the street configuration and don't feel congestion will be an issue, he added.

Area residents, however, maintain the temple does not meet the guidelines in the city's Official Community Plan and questioned whether city officials gave a thorough look at the situation.

``We shouldn't have to remind you that everyone's interest is at hand when you're planning,'' said Starlane Drive resident Doug Howarth.

Rogers asked for an amendment to the proposal before the final reading to make sure that the building that is complete is the same as the one proposed.