Land gifted for new Belcourt Centre

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlottetown believes it has found a new home for the Belcourt Centre, a religious retreat now located in Rustico.

The diocese had been looking for months for property to build a new retreat centre. It says the Rustico building needs too much work to continue to serve the purpose. There was talk of tearing it down, but local residents objected.

The diocese now believes a solution has come to them. Fran Sark has offered land she owns on Reid Road in Stanley Bridge for the centre, as a gift.

"She always had a dream that this would be the perfect spot for a place of worship and a place of prayer," said Vicar General Eric Dunn.

"As we discussed various aspects of the project, her thoughts and our thoughts were like hand and glove, they fitted so well together."

The new centre would hold 60 people for retreats and religious conferences.

"This is one of the most beautiful sites I've ever seen," adds Dunn. "Overlooking the bay, this facility is going to be very beautiful. The view from there, you can't help but capture the spirituality."

The first step is to get the land rezoned from resort to institutional. People from the area had a chance to look over the plans at a public meeting Monday night. Some neighbours were worried about noise and traffic, but most seemed happy with the plan, including Sark`s niece Nadine Greed Wakelin.

"I`d rather see this than what could be," said Wakelin.

"The way it`s presently zoned it could be anything. Where with the resort there it's a lot more tranquil."

The diocese is still trying to find some kind of use for the old Belcourt centre. Officials say it may have to be sold.

Council will vote on the rezoning in September.