Council approves parking lot for church in Rockwood

ROCKWOOD – A church here has been given the green light from council for the addition of a parking lot.

On July 11, council received a report, prepared by township planning consultant Joanna Salsberg, regarding a site plan application at Rockwood United Church.

The church, located at 119 Harris Street in Rockwood, borders 107 Harris Street, which currently contains an existing building.

“The proposal is to demolish [the] existing building on 107 Harris Street and replace it with a parking lot to serve Rockwood United Church,” Salsberg explained.

In the report, Salsberg noted the township’s solicitor has confirmed the church property (119 Harris Street) has been merged with 107 Harris Street.

The services for the existing building at 107 Harris Street are required to be removed and capped before the demolition of the building can proceed in order to allow for the construction of the parking lot, she added.

The site plan includes 17 parking spaces as well as two accessible parking spaces, a concrete pad that contains a relocated generator, a utility shed and landscaping along the property.

“In terms of the County of Wellington Official Plan, the property is designated as residential and institutional uses like churches are a permitted use within this designation,” Salsberg said.

She also noted that overall, the proposal is consistent with the county’s official plan.

With little discussion following the presentation, council approved the site plan application for 107 and 119 Harris Street.