Sarnia's River City Vineyard. BlackburnNews.com file photo.Sarnia's River City Vineyard. BlackburnNews.com file photo.
Sarnia

River City Re-Evaluating Following Court Ruling

It's still unclear when and if River City Vineyard will reopen its homeless shelter on Mitton St.

Friday, the Ontario Court of Appeal overturned a lower court decision that closed the shelter as of June 15, 2014, saying the city zoning bylaw had been misinterpreted.

Pastor George Esser says it's not as simple as just re-opening the doors.

He tells BlackburnNews.com that they need to find volunteers and re-establish infrastructure.

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The City of Sarnia has until the end of September to seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

The parties can also make written submissions on court costs within 20 days. Esser doesn't have a total figure but says their lawyer will submit their costs which the city could be found liable for. The city says its costs in the matter so far total over $168,000.

Council voted 6-2 against River City's application for permanent rezoning for its shelter in late 2011, citing neighbourhood complaints about drunkenness, noise and threats.

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