Wal-Mart has already started building a store three times the size of a football field in Guelph, Ontario, in Canada. But a multi-faith religious group has filed a lawsuit against the city of Guelph, challenging the Guelph City by-law allowing commercial development near sacred lands. The lawsuit charges that the location of the store interferes with the pursuit of their personal religious rights. According to the press release sent to Sprawl-Busters, the Guelph group has its first court appearance this Tuesday, March 21st. “The multi-faith initiative, brought by Daoist Bill Hulet against the City of Guelph, seeks to quash a new by-law allowing major commercial construction near a world-renowned religious centre and two historic cemeteries. The commercial developer, 6&7 Developments Ltd., is seeking intervener status. The court will be asked to determine what, if any, role economic interests play in matters of personal religious rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The multi-faith challenge includes affidavits sworn by many of Guelph’s religious leaders and members of a wide variety of faiths and backgrounds, including Aboriginal, Anglican, Autistic, Baptist, Buddhist, Catholic, Daoist, Hindu/Yogic, Lutheran, United, and Zen. Construction of the initial 155,000 sq. ft. development (which includes a Wal-Mart) is beginning near the Ignatius Jesuit Centre, Marymount Cemetery, and Woodlawn Cemetery. Users of the Centre argue that the proposed commercial centre will substantially interfere with the religious beliefs and practices of individuals of many faiths who use the Ignatius Jesuit Centre and adjoining lands.”
For a local contacts in Guelph, email: [email protected]
