Construction will continue throughout the winter on the Guelph Sikh Temple in south end Guelph, with an expected opening in the spring.
The gurdwara project has faced numerous delays, and a legal challenge, in its development along Clair Road. It was to have been completed last September. The land was purchase over six years ago.
Dr. Ravi Rai, the spokesperson for the Guelph Sikh Society, said the building should be ready for occupancy in mid-April. A major celebration is scheduled at the location at that time.
“It’s going along very well now,” he said. “Internal work is going on at this point. The financing is in good shape.”
From the outside, the project appears to have a long way to go before it is complete. But Rai said prefabricated walls will go into place soon, and quickly.
Rai added that an estimated $7 million price-tag may be exceeded once the building is complete.
When the property was purchased by the Sikh Society just over six years ago it was a former farmyard surrounded by open fields. Now it is surrounded on three sides by dense residential development. South end Guelph has experienced frantic development in recent years.
In 2010, a group calling itself Westminster Woods Residents Association mounted an Ontario Municipal Board challenge against the temple shortly after the project was announced. The challenge was dropped following a preliminary hearing. Numerous changes to were made to the project during the planning process.
In recent times, weather and other factors, including street excavation near the site, have caused further delays.
Rai said when the building does open the entire community will be welcomed to attend the celebration.
He added that a tree-line will be planted along the back of the property to provide a buffer between the gurdwara and neighbouring residences.
