After many years of meetings, studies and input from a wide variety of groups, the Town of Gibsons is inching closer to solidifying a neighbourhood plan for the highly contentious Gospel Rock area.
The Town held a special committee-of-the-whole meeting May 26 where council discussed the most recent draft plan - Gospel Rock Neighbourhood Plan, Draft 3.1. The draft had been the subject of great debate after it was presented at a public meeting April 6.
Town planning consultant Michael Rosen brought forth his report at the May 26 meeting reviewing the results of the consultation process and how to proceed with the next steps.
Rosen said his observations were based on two different components of the consultation process - the government and non-government referrals, and the public meeting and comments from its attendees.
He outlined the issues he heard at the public meeting, including concerns over too many housing units, insufficient community amenities, development of the waterfront land, road access, and how many citizens felt the draft was contrary to the Town's official community plan.
"Clearly there is a lot of passion in this community over Gospel Rock. Seeing the passion was impressive to me. It says something about the community," Rosen said.
In addition to discussing comments from the public, Rosen said comprehensive responses were received from Friends of Gospel Rock and the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association. Both organizations, Rosen explained, said they are not opposed to development, but have a strong interest in protecting ecologically significant features and ensuring a good public process.
After presenting council with options in taking the next steps, council voted to accept the current draft, but with some major revisions. This, along with comments from the citizens who packed the gallery, stirred up a lengthy discussion among councillors who shared their ideas on what items of the draft need revisions.
One sentiment shared by all of council is the need to have a plan in place in order to move ahead to a resolution.
"Our challenge is to balance the needs of the community with those of the property owners within the Gospel Rock planning area," said Coun. Gerry Tretick.
Mayor Barry Janyk said he felt a number of areas had been identified fairly, and further refinement will take place. He also emphasized the importance of input from the public, having first suggested a plebiscite in April. He would like to see a communications package available for the public as council moves forward.
"We're almost there. The public wants certainty, the property owners want certainty, and we can provide that, but we need to give it one more push and get it done," Janyk said.
While a variety of questions were taken from citizens attending the meeting, SCCA executive director Dan Bouman pushed for a plan that would see more waterfront land conserved.
"Leave the waterfront in the plan as not available for housing," said Bouman. "There are solutions out there. The thing is, let's get to yes."
Another special committee meeting has been set for June 17.
