Residents concerned by a proposed funeral chapel on Errol Rd. West in Sarnia gather in council chambers. Monday, November 10, 2014 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)Residents concerned by a proposed funeral chapel on Errol Rd. West in Sarnia gather in council chambers. Monday, November 10, 2014 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
Sarnia

Decision Tabled On Proposed Funeral Chapel

Concerns from nearby residents convinced Sarnia Council to table making a decision on a rezoning application in a north end neighbourhood until mid-December.

Gilpin Funeral Chapel Ltd. wants to build a funeral chapel at 608 Errol St. West.

Brian Joyce, who has lived two houses away from the property for the past 15 years, told council the chapel will hurt property values.

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Councillor Anne-Marie Gillis says more research is needed, to ensure everyone is satisfied.

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It's expected staff will report back with details about the current parking lot size and the property's lighting, security and nearby traffic flow at councils December 15, regular meeting.

Gilpin Funeral Chapel Ltd. says the chapel would be staffed on a daily basis and that no bodies would be prepared there for interment or cremation.

Lawyer Francis De Sena, who represents the applicant, told council the chapel would be regulated and subject to approval of the Ontario Funeral Board. He also said the sale of the property remains conditional.

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