Rezoning sought for former Lansdowne church

A former church building in Lansdowne is at the centre of a zoning bylaw amendment application as its owners seek to convert the decommissioned place of worship into a single detached dwelling with commercial uses.

Leeds and the Thousand Islands council will consider the matter during Monday’s meeting at the Lansdowne council chambers, slated for 6:30 p.m.

The property, previously an institutional site, was sold in recent years and is now privately owned. The land is currently designated as institutional, which does not permit a single detached dwelling. The institutional zone allows for various uses, including a community centre, library, firehall, nursing home, police station, and retreat area, among others. However, residential use as a standalone single detached dwelling is not permitted under this zoning.

To facilitate the proposed conversion, the property owners are requesting a rezoning to general commercial. This designation would allow for a broader range of uses, including a single detached dwelling, commercial establishments such as retail stores, offices, personal service businesses, restaurants, and recreational facilities.

A report presented to council states that no changes to performance standards are being proposed beyond the zoning amendment. The shift to a general commercial zone aligns with the township’s official plan, which designates the land as mixed use.

The proposed amendment is being considered by council, with public consultation and review processes expected to follow.

No financial implications have been identified in relation to the zoning change request.