Preacher to turn down volume

SHAWN LOGAN

Sun Media

The volume will be turned down on a controversial street preacher this weekend after he reached an accord with city officials that will allow him to continue delivering sermons.

Art Pawlowski said he will comply with a five-week permit issued Monday that will allow him to continue his sermons to the homeless near the Calgary Drop-In Centre, provided he doesn’t use a loud speaker that has drawn the ire of area residents.

However, the outspoken min¬ister said he will continue to battle the city, which he feels is out to silence his message and prevent him from helping those who need it most.

"They said if we stop using amplification, they would leave us alone," Pawlowski said.

"They want to make an example out of us, but for now we want to show the public that we will comply with the authorities"

The agreement reached with the city will allow the street ministry to continue operating, although they would relocate about 100 metres east of the Triangle Park location they have used in the past and not use loudspeakers.

The temporary permit will run from May 11 to June 11 and will be reassessed, said Michael Kenny, the city’s manager of parks central operations.

"They need to build up that trust factor again," he said.