An Abingdon couple's pitch to reopen the rural cluster debate was snuffed out at West Lincoln council, Monday, Sept. 22.
Matthew and Stephanie Kikot, residents at 9285 Concession Road 3, came before aldermen to request that council hold off their decision to firm up cluster boundaries to allow their submission.
"God has given us a vision to further his kingdom," Stephanie Kikot told council, explaining that she and her husband hope to one day use some of their land for church-related activity, such as providing support to single mothers and drug addicts.
"We're not trying to manipulate you. We're really on fire for the Lord," she said. "I really felt the Lord push us, and we want to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ."
Kikot said she has had dreams and words of knowledge spoken over her to advance the gospel message with her property.
"He wants it done soon," she told aldermen. "People need to know Jesus Christ."
Following her comments, Mayor Katie Trombetta responded by saying that the Township of West Lincoln has been working on the rural cluster boundaries for a long time.
"It is not the intent to enlarge any of the clusters," she said. "This is being done just to clean house and mark boundaries. At this point, we've dealt with the issue."
"We, as council, agree with development, but it has to be planned growth," she added.
Following discussion, council set boundaries for Abingdon, Caistor Centre, Fulton and Westbrook Road.