Thorum
07-09-2010, 12:09 AM
I small victory for rationality:
"2:30 am
7/8/2010
The Islamic Society of Cold Lake has had the land for a new mosque pulled out from under it.
After first approving the sale of a 2.5-acre parcel of land by a vote of 4-3, the MD of Bonnyville is retracting its offer.
Councilors began getting an earful from residents upset with the fact the land would be sold for only $10,000.
Its assessed value is 10 times that and many were reportedly upset with the idea of selling land to a religious organization at a discount.
The other problem, as told to the media by a few of the local councillors, was an apparent anti-Islamic sentiment among some of those opposed to the sale.
So, after a brief private meeting, the vote was 6-1 in favour of rescinding the offer.
The Islamic Society of Cold Lake says it's still interested in buying a piece of land and will probably try again in the fall, after the municipal election.
For now, the 50 or so of its members will continue to meet in the basement of a local home. Just like they've been doing for well over a decade.
(td, Bonnyville Nouvelle, CBC News)"
Story from iNews 880 (http://www.inews880.com/Channels/Reg/LocalNews/story.aspx?ID=1250158)
"2:30 am
7/8/2010
The Islamic Society of Cold Lake has had the land for a new mosque pulled out from under it.
After first approving the sale of a 2.5-acre parcel of land by a vote of 4-3, the MD of Bonnyville is retracting its offer.
Councilors began getting an earful from residents upset with the fact the land would be sold for only $10,000.
Its assessed value is 10 times that and many were reportedly upset with the idea of selling land to a religious organization at a discount.
The other problem, as told to the media by a few of the local councillors, was an apparent anti-Islamic sentiment among some of those opposed to the sale.
So, after a brief private meeting, the vote was 6-1 in favour of rescinding the offer.
The Islamic Society of Cold Lake says it's still interested in buying a piece of land and will probably try again in the fall, after the municipal election.
For now, the 50 or so of its members will continue to meet in the basement of a local home. Just like they've been doing for well over a decade.
(td, Bonnyville Nouvelle, CBC News)"
Story from iNews 880 (http://www.inews880.com/Channels/Reg/LocalNews/story.aspx?ID=1250158)