New prayer hall being considered by Regina planning committee

A city report recommends Regina's planning commission approve a new prayer hall for  the city's southeast despite objections from people in the neighbourhood.

Concerns were raised about the prayer hall going into the location at 2318 East Assiniboine Ave.

At a public meeting held on June 20, there were 21 nearby residents and businesses who said they were opposed to the prayer house.

Concerns of those who objected included increased traffic to the strip mall, a lack of parking, that it would create noise and the size of the congregation would grow.

Looking into peoples' concerns

City administration found Assiniboine Avenue can handle up to 12,000 vehicles per day, and currently only sees about 5,100 per day.

A survey was done on the parking lot. It found there were still a large number of parking stalls available during peak times of the day.

Staff also looked at the Islamic calendar, finding the earliest prayer time would be 3 a.m. CST and the latest would be 11 p.m.

The planning committee recommended the institution would be limited to accommodating no more than 20 people at a time.

The committee will make its decision at its meeting Wednesday afternoon. If approved, the recommendation will go before city council on Aug. 29.