A proposal by the Roman Catholic Diocese of London for a new cemetery in a rural part of the city has moved closer to approval. On Tuesday, the Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) considered an application to permit a cemetery, accessory office, and maintenance buildings at 5150 Wellington Rd. S., next to the London District Catholic School Board office building. However, city staff recommended refusing the requested changes because the site is in an area of prime agricultural land. The 15.6-hectare property is currently zoned to permit a “community facility” like a church or a school, but not a cemetery. “I think this is a very low impact use, and the zoning is already there,” said Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis. The lands are currently vacant but contain a portion of the Regina Mundi Kirk Cousins Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW). The burial plots and accessory buildings would not encroach on the wetland. Despite the staff recommendation, the community unanimously supported the cemetery proposal, noting the property is not currently being farmed and is already zoned to permit development. “I think it’s actually preferable to be outside the urban growth boundary,” said Chair of PEC Coun. Steve Lehman. “It’s a space that’s not going to be used. It’s zoned right now for a community facility which would be like a school or a church.” Council will make a final decision on Feb. 10.
