Open field where church will build parking lot

A church in Steinbach has received the go ahead from city council to build a large parking lot on land zoned for residential use.

The Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church along McKenzie Avenue plans to build the parking lot on property it owns along Pleasant Drive which is connected to the southwest corner of its existing parking lot.

Councillor Cari Penner moved approval of the required zoning change. She says, "The E-Free Church wants to expand its building and they need this area for parking. I think it's a good fit for the area. It's quite compatible and it won't cause any undue stress on the neighbourhood."

Mayor Chris Goertzen says there were no objections at a recent Public Hearing regarding the required zoning change. "Council heard from the public and there was one person who spoke out and that person was in favour of the project moving ahead so council has no problem approving it."

Church spokesperson Darryl Kroeker says it is their intent to start work on the parking lot this fall or next spring.