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Minto approves new church and cemetery

Church will be for the Mennonite community

MINTO — Minto council has passed a bylaw allowing for a new church and cemetery to be built for the Mennonite community.

Tuesday's approval at council applies to a rezoned section of a larger agricultural property at the corner of Given Road and Baseline Road, between Mount Forest and Clifford.

Two public meetings were held allowing neighbouring property owners time to voice their concerns.

“The result of the December. 19th, 2022 meeting with the neighbouring landowners is that they are supportive of the proposal provided that additional trees/buffering is provided and the driveway size is reduced,” stated the report of Ashley Sawyer, the planning coordinator.

“The possibility of moving the cemetery to a different location on the subject property was explored, however, neighbours indicated their preference to have the cemetery remain where it is with additional trees/buffering,” stated Sawyer’s report.

Originally, the property was to have a 160-foot driveway. Neither town staff or neighbours supported such a long driveway.

“Resulting from the December 19th, 2022 meeting with neighbouring landowners and the applicant, one 60’ driveway and one smaller 15’ driveway was agreed upon,” stated Sawyer’s report.

The report notes the church is for a congregation that uses horse-drawn transportation.