Homeless shelter appeal

River City Vineyard is appealing a court ruling ordering closure of the church’s homeless shelter by June 15.

River City Vineyard is appealing a court ruling ordering closure of the church’s homeless shelter by June 15.

Lawyers representing the church say the men’s homeless shelter on Mitton Street is a community project sponsored by the church, and therefore permitted under Sarnia’s bylaw.

They also argue a permanent injunction would prevent River City from fulfilling its religious duty to provide shelter to the homeless, thus infringing on it rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

River City pastor George Esser has said the church will comply with the closure order while the appeal process is underway.

Sarnia has spent about $100,000 so far in legal costs trying to close the shelter.