The City of Summerside has received an application from a company called Pan-American Properties Inc., to rezone 403 Granville Street from high density residential to institutional. The purpose of the rezoning is to allow, but not be limited to, a place of worship (a convent.)
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Charlottetown confirmed Monday that the application is related to the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Ragusa.
The same order of nuns, who are based in Welland, Ont., was denied a similar application to rezone a residential property on South Drive in December following opposition from their perspective neighbours.
City council sided with residents and denied the rezoning application.
A public meeting has been called to review the new rezoning application on Jan. 25, at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Summerside City Hall.
@JournalPMacLean
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Headline timeline:
– Nov. 11, 2016: “New habits:” Nuns apply for rezoning of 291 South Drive to allow for small nunnery, chapel and, eventually, a daycare
– Nov. 12: “Convent debate:” Residents express concern regarding nuns’ rezoning application during public meeting; most feel residential South Drive is not appropriate for properties zoned institutional
– Nov. 30: “Convent controversy:” Summerside’s technical services department recommends council deny the nuns’ request
– Dec. 7: “Request denied:” City council turns down the nuns’ request to rezone 291 South Drive; the sisters say they still want to come to Summerside
– Jan. 16, 2017: “Second attempt:” Company applies to city for rezoning of 403 Granville Street to allow for a convent.
