“The rezoning request could worsen the traffic problem and cause lots (sic) of security/safety concerns,” wrote another.

Other commenters said they were worried about loss of trees and natural vegetation, reduced property values and more noise and traffic congestion.

One person wrote, “I am a Christian.”

The property is next door to a salvage yard and auto shop, across the street from a residential neighbourhood and bordering another residential neighbourhood and Old Oak Park. Nearby are a number of schools, a commercial plaza and retirement residence.

IBI Group has responded to some of residents’ concerns, and others brought forward by the city, region and conservation authorities, in a report dated Feb. 17.

“For all intents and purposes, the religious centre/mosque will function in a manner similar to that of a church, temple or other religious building,” IBI Group’s report said. “It will provide a location for independent and communal prayer and worship.”

The number of people who’d be accessing the prayer centre is minimal enough to ensure the association doesn’t have to complete a traffic study or consider road widening.

As for a new building, that’s still about a decade out and contingent on fundraising, community need, wastewater services, association membership and city approval, IBI Group said. The purpose would be spiritual, which “explicitly” meets the area’s low density targets. Although only in concept, the association has proposed situating parking away from surrounding residents, to reduce the impact of headlights.

“The future building would be designed to complement the existing neighbourhood,” said IBI Group.

It would also have to conduct a traffic study, among others, as part of the city’s mandatory site plan process.

“Some people in the meeting were concerned about what could be built there,” said Szilock. “But it’s still so conceptual and it’s not set in stone. The applicant isn’t at the point to come forward with a concrete proposal.”

The city and other agencies will review the documents submitted in February, which include IBI Group’s response letter report, updated acoustics report, geotechnical investigation, updated environmental study, potential conceptual site plan and survey of the property.

Once the documents have been reviewed and approved, staff will prepare a report for council and a formal public meeting will be held.

IBI Group and the Muslim Association of Canada did not respond to requests for comment.

For more information, visit http://www.waterloo.ca/en/business/510_erbsville_road.asp.

