The proposed duplex at 528 Marine Drive received third reading and was adopted by Gibsons council during its Nov. 5 Regular Meeting.
The area will be rezoned to a new residential waterfront zone. The new zone is designed to accommodate multi-unit, ground-orientated residential uses along the small, steep waterfront lots of Marine Drive and Marine Crescent while maintaining view corridors towards the ocean.
Official Community Plan (OCP) will also be amended, altering the land use designation to Residential Waterfront from MultiUnit Residential Special Character.
Coun. Annemarie De Andrade raised concerns over the development saying they’re going to have an “almost four-storey wall,” and questioned if there was enough space for the two-metre setback on the southeast corner of the building.
Speaking about the previously proposed development on this property that was turned down, Mayor Silas White commended the new landowners for responding to concerns brought forward by council and the public.
White also highlighted the flood exemption process calling it a “really great way to make sure that buildings are built safely.” He explained the exemption process required reports to be completed and approved by professional engineers signifying that the building is safe, that it has the proper setbacks and ensuring floor mitigation measures are incorporated.
Council gave the development third reading and adoption, with Coun. Annemarie De Andrade opposed.
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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