TERRACE city council last night gave third reading to a bylaw change so the Terrace Salvation Army can use the former Christ Lutheran Church building on the corner of Sparks and Park as a place of worship.
The Lutheran congregation ended having services there in 2014 after which it was purchased with the new owner intending it as a commercial use building.
The bylaw change approved last night would once again see the building used as a place or worship.
A public hearing held before council’s regular meeting last night didn’t see anyone come out to comment and city planner Tara Irwin told council none of the surrounding property owners or members of the public had contacted the city with any concerns.
The Salvation Army approached property owner Michael Hogg this spring for a five-year lease to use the building as a church because its present location on Kalum St. isn’t adequate as both a worship place and a location for its thrift store and other community services.
Property owner Michael Hogg took the request to council and council gave the bylaw amendment first and second readings June 12.
The approval last night now sends the bylaw change to the provincial government for a sign off after which council will give its final approval.
Christ Lutheran Church celebrated 60 years of service in 2014 but also closed that year because of a declining congregation.