KIPLING — With member numbers dwindling, the Kipling Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is considering selling their building.
Appearing as a delegation before Kipling town council on May 12, Bob Steil asked council to consider amending the use of the building under the town’s zoning bylaw to allow a church to use it.
As a place of worship, it would be considered a discretionary use under the current zoning bylaw, and council would first need to approve the idea. Before that happens, a letter would be sent out to both parties explaining the process, followed by a public hearing before a firm decision is made.
This doesn’t mean the Kipling Legion will fold; the plan is for their group to use space at the Kipling Community Centre.
“We’re down to about eight active members right now, so it’s getting to the point where we’re having a hard time organising things and getting things done,” explained Steil. “Our intention is, if we get the building sold, we’ll just put a trust fund out for donations.”
If approved, it would be a big move for the Jesus is Lord Church Canada, a Christian church based in the Philippines, whose congregation in Kipling currently meets at the Friendship Centre. They would prefer the Legion building as it would become a solid place the church could call home.
“What happens is every Sunday we pack up our stuff, we assemble, we disassemble,” Bro. Dranreb Lucero of the JIL Church explained to the World-Spectator. “We don’t leave our equipment behind, which is kind of hard for the workers to do that.”
The church currently has around 20 people in its congregation, and Lucerno enthusiastically says, “But we’re growing by God’s grace!”
“Our goal is to multiply—that’s our destiny as a church,” he said. “We’re excited!”
The JIL has a main church in Regina, and other locations across Saskatchewan include Estevan, Frontier, Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Swift Current, and Yorkton. Lucerno noted some gather for Bible study in Wawota as well.
After the delegation left the meeting, Mayor Pat Jackson put the question to the rest of Council: “Are we okay with doing a change to our zoning to allow a church?”
“At least it will be used,” said Councillor Tara Carter, one of many voices in agreement. “I think it’d be a good thing.”
Councillor Darren Szakacs brought an opposing view, noting he would prefer seeing more commercial business use in that area of town.
“When I got on to Council, I wanted to see Main Street with lots of businesses again, but if we have to go this route, we have to go this route,” he said. “I’d rather have more businesses, per se, but I guess I can’t snap my fingers and have businesses here.”
The change in usage would mean the town misses out on some tax dollars as a place of worship is not taxed on its buildings, while the Legion was paying school taxes.
Given the process involved, a decision on whether or not council will make the change might not happen until July.
Lottery money distributed
Allocations through the Saskatchewan Community Lottery Grant Program were announced during last week’s meeting. The program is a partnership between SaskSport, SaskCulture, and the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, helping non-profit community groups by providing annual funds. The program goal is to increase involvement in sport, culture, and recreation activities.
Local groups applied to the Kipling Leisure Services Office, and the allocations were as follows: The Kipling Friendship Centre - $700; Kipling Arts Council - $700; Kipling District Historical Society & Museum - $1,000; Long Term Care - $1,500; Town Beautification - $1,500; Fun in the Sun Program - $2,000; Swimming Pool - $3,062.85; Kipling Minor Soccer - $2,500; Kipling Minor Ball - $2,500.
Committee appointment
Jennifer Szilagyi and Brian Manns have been appointed to the Kipling Splash Park Co
