July 21, 2006

Wal-Mart jumps last opposition hurdle in Guelph

GUELPH

After nearly a decade of debate, the last group to oppose the construction of a Wal-Mart store has given the company its blessing.

A multifaith group that objected to the building site has declined to take its case to court, deciding instead to negotiate compromises with the retailer.

Wal-Mart began construction of the 12,500 square metre complex in May next to a Jesuit retreat used by the religious group.

The group opposed the new store on the grounds that the noise coming from it interfered with the practice of silent meditation and violated religious rights under Canadian law.

“A very positive and constructive resolution has been achieved,” said Eric Gillespie, lawyer for the multi-faith challenge. “There was legitimate goodwill. It really was refreshing.”

Wal-Mart Canada Spokesman Kevin Groh agreed, adding the alterations to the building plan were not significantly different from proposals made earlier this year.

Under the terms of the agreement, Wal-Mart will erect barriers to block sight and sound of the store from the Jesuit Centre.

The barriers will consist of a raised embankment, as well as six metre cedar trees and a wall of intertwined willows.

The agreement was reached with the help of a mediator from the Ontario Municipal Board over several days of negotiations.

But Groh said the challenge from the multifaith group would not have halted construction of the store, even if the case had gone to court as planned.

“We were already in the process of building the store with the understanding this store would go forward and would not be held back by significant obstacles or challenges,” he said. “The bottom line seems to be that when we were able to match up our opinions, they were compatible. But that has taken many years.”

The new Wal-Mart location is scheduled to open for business by the end of the year.

CANADIAN PRESS

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