Ark Aid working on a 'way forward' with city to bypass zoning infraction

Ark Aid Street Mission says it is working with the city to resolve a zoning issue at its temporary downtown host. 

Leaders from the mission and its partner, First Baptist Church, met with city officials on Tuesday morning after receiving notice from bylaw enforcement of an apparent zoning infraction at the Richmond Street church. Ark Aid executive director Sarah Campbell said that conversation led to an appeal for a way forward. 

"We are working with the city to make that response meet their burden as well as ensure the continued services," said Campbell. 

On Friday, Campbell and pastors at the church said they were surprised to learn of complaints submitted to bylaw enforcement, resulting in an order to seek a zoning amendment or cease services by Oct. 4.

The notice indicated that the church is zoned as a place of worship, whereas use of the space for providing the mission's services is deemed as the operation of an assembly hall. The mission was left with three options: allow the church to assume care and control of the services, pursue the amendment or find an alternate location.

On Monday, news of the bylaw notice prompted reaction from members of London's faith communities. One minister refused to allow his church to be used as a polling station, pointing out that churches often rent out spaces to community groups for lessons, meetings and gatherings. 

Rev. Kevin George of St. Aidan's Anglican Church started a petition calling on the city to support First Baptist's hosting of Ark Aid and its services for those experiencing homelessness. 

"I think this particular episode has provided us with a teachable moment. It's been an opportunity to say, wait a minute, are we aware of what the churches are doing in our community?" said George.

"Do we understand the far-reaching consequences of treating the church like the local business community and saying here's the tick boxes and if you don't fill them in, you have to go hire consultants and figure it all out? That's not who we are."

He and others from faith communities have been invited to take part in an upcoming bylaw review following Tuesday's meeting with the City, he said. 

The Oct. 4 deadline has now been waived, Campbell said, and defining what can happen within a place of worship is now part of the wider discussion as Ark Aid works on its appeal. 

"Today was a red letter day in showing that collaboration between community organizations, faith communities and the city, that in fact if we do get talking to one another and we don't be as reactive to the concerns, but more proactive around the needs, we can actually make quite a difference," she said. 

Patti McKague, director for strategic communications and community engagement with the City of London, confirmed in an email that the city is working to resolve the issue as part of its bylaw enforcement process. 

Ark Aid has been leasing space from First Baptist Church as it works to raise a million dollars needed to complete renovations on its Dundas Street location. It offers nightly meals, showers and other services to up to 400 people daily.