The Jesuits in Canada are taking on Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, over plans to build a store near a century-old retreat, the Toronto Star said.
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This week, the Catholic church's most respected religious order is arguing before the provincial Ontario Municipal Board the retailer's plans for a 135,000-square-foot store adjacent to their retreat is incompatible with the area in the city of Guelph, 75 miles northeast of Toronto.
The Ignatius Jesuit Center is a 600-acre rural property with a retreat accommodation that features forests, wetlands and an organic farm.
"This is sacred ground -- a sanctuary for people, a sanctuary for wildlife," said Rev. James Profit, the center's director.
Wal-Mart Canada spokesman Kevin Groh said the company has shown diligence in its site selection.
"We have consulted for almost a decade, and that includes the Jesuit group," he said.
Over time, Wal-Mart has agreed to a reduction in the size of the store, protection for the wetlands and more trees in a buffer zone.
A ruling could come as early as next week.