Council for the Rural Municipality of Hanover has approved the necessary variances, allowing Hoffnung Fuer Alle Church to expand. Approval has been granted to vary the minimum site width from 250 feet to 244 feet and to vary the minimum front yard from 125 feet to approximately 82 feet.

Hoffnung Fuer Alle Church, or Hope For All Church is located along Ridge Road, between Road 30E and Road 31E. Building Committee Chair Wilhelm Goertzen was part of a delegation that appeared before Hanover council Wednesday. The Church needed permission from council to bring the proposal into compliance with Hanover's Zoning By-Law. Goertzen says they are excited to put shovel in the ground as quickly as possible.

Goertzen says they would like to add 2,983 square feet to the existing 4,212 square foot structure. The expansion will happen on the south side of their existing building. Goertzen says the new addition will be home to such things as washrooms and nursery, thus allowing them to expand the sanctuary.

According to Goertzen, Hoffnung Fuer Alle Church started about two years ago. He notes they serve the Low German speaking immigrants that have settled in the area.

On a regular Sunday, about 170 people attend, but Goertzen says they have been growing substantially. Currently, the Church only has seating for about 149 people and this expansion will see that number climb to seating capacity of about 250.

He notes the goal is to break ground this summer and be using the new space by winter. Goertzen says the project could cost approximately $750,000 and they will be holding fundraisers to help come up with the money.