When secular society doesn't give churches their due, it is churches that tend to fight for recognition. This is exactly what the Toronto diocese of the Anglican Church did when it appealed Toronto's official plan for failing to specifically mention places of worship. The appeal (along with 162 others from various organizations) was heard by the Ontario Municipal Board which accepted the diocese's modifications. Because other appeals have yet to be heard, a final decision approving the church settlement could take a year or more, but the contingent order is still a victory for churches.
"Churches can now expand and build in the GTA as needs and demands determine," said Brian Mills, director of Planning and Development at the Toronto diocese. "All of us have benefited. We're pleased to share this with everyone."
The story begins with the church noticing that places of worship were not expressly included in the plan. Their original complaints to city council were met with reassurances that places of worship were indeed part of the plan (despite not being mentioned) and not to worry about it.
They managed to motivate an addition to the plan's preamble, which sets out the vision for the city. The vision now includes religion as an integral part of life in Toronto. The plan now states: "Our future is one where people enjoy freedom of conscience and religion and opportunities for such enjoyment are supported."
"We weren't satisfied with [just] that," said J. Pitman Patterson, the church's legal counsel.
So the diocese set out to change the more technical aspects of land planning, which they took directly to the OMB. They argued that especially in areas of rapid growth, potential places of worship should be given just as much consideration as new schools.
If places of worship weren't specifically mentioned, Mills said it could have caused headaches down the road when a church wanted to put up a new building. If there were any opposition, the development could be appealed and prohibited. "The official plan earmarked 25 per cent of the GTA for growth," said Mills. "We wanted to make sure that we are represented in those areas."
The official plan was adopted by city council in November 2002, and sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for approval the following spring. The OMB issued its preliminary decision regarding the church's appeal in May 2005. Places of worship are now mentioned specifically in the plan, being grouped under the umbrella term "local institutions" which also includes things like schools, libraries, hospitals and retirement homes.
The hearings were generally amicable, with city officials eventually agreeing to give churches their due. Paul Bain, project manager for the planning team, told the Record that places of worship "were always part of the city plan." He said faith buildings are allowed anywhere except in public parks and the interior of industrial areas.
"We want to make it clear that places of worship are valued," said Bain. "We had a good discussion about it and everyone agreed that we should do this. It was really about wanting more recognition of the roles places of worship play in the community." – AM
