Prayers answered for Winnipeg church, but barbed wire request denied

A Winnipeg church asking for a new fence to prevent trespassing and vandalism had some of its prayers answered. Jeff Keele explains.

A North End church is not getting their nine-foot fence with barbed wire, but they were offered a compromise.

The St. John Cantius Church on Burrows Avenue was asking for a variance to put up the tall chain-link fence with barbed wire around most of their buildings and a parking lot.

They say this is needed to protect their vulnerable parishioners from people trespassing, vandalism, drug users, and thieves.

But city planners rejected the proposal over concerns it created a “fortress-like” atmosphere.

The church appealed that decision.

On Friday the appeal committee denied the use of any barbed wire but did allow some higher fencing options.

The church can build a fence up to nine feet on the side and up to seven feet on the back, which faces Magnus Avenue. The front area, including a parking lot, can only go to the current standard of four feet.

Richard Zendzian was at the appeal hearing and is a lifelong parishioner.

“I think I’m satisfied that we actually got the nine feet on the sides; that’s a good win for us, and the seven feet on the Magnus side, which is good because a lot of some of the problems do come from the Magnus side,” said Zendzian.

The final design and fencing materials will now be subject to a planning approval process at a city community committee.