Beaconsfielders resist church rezoning

Prior to Beaconsfield’s recent council meeting, the town held a public consultation to discuss a request to rezone land at the end of a residential district that would permit construction of a small place of worship and allow parking space on private property for up to seven parishioners’ vehicles.

Several residents expressed fear that their sleep will be disturbed by motorists showing up for 6 a.m. Sunday worship services. They questioned church officials’ claim that traffic and parking will not pose a problem.

Church officials replied that they would be no different from other Beaconsfield places of worship. They explained that they need the facility for their Beaconsfield and Baie d’Urfé parishioners—many of whom have large families, “so that, ideally, they can walk to church” rather than travel to Lachine to attend services.

“They made a request and we’re dealing with this request,” added Mayor David Pollock. “Everyone has a right to. They have filled in the form and paid the fees and we are considering it.”