The beginning of the Sept. 26 special council meeting began with a goodbye.
Mayor Silas White started the meeting in Gibsons by saying he was sorry to announce the retirement of the Town’s director of finance, Lorraine Coughlin. He described her as “our foundation” at both the Town of Gibsons and through her previous work at the school district.
“I am still struggling with what we’re going to do without her,” White said, adding that she will be staying in the community.
“The whole community appreciates all the service and work that you’ve done for the town in these years.” The mayor also cited positive comments he received from other communities about Coughlin’s advice and leadership at the recent Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) conference held earlier in the month.
“A great loss, but a great gain for you to enjoy your retirement,” White said as he thanked the outgoing director.
Then, Coughlin introduced the next agenda item: the permissive property tax exemption bylaw. Acknowledging that council has discussed the subject extensively (at the committee level in July and for first reading on Sept. 5), White moved the recommendation to give second and third reading to the bylaw. Council has moved to grant the permissive property tax exemptions for the 2024 taxation year, a one-year term.
At the Oct. 3 regular council meeting, council adopted the permissive property tax exemption bylaw. Coun. David Croal put forward a motion to notify the property owners to explain the purpose of the one-year exemption (compared to the previous four-year terms) to work with them and encourage to develop underutilitzed properties for community needs. All were in favour of Croal's motion.
Europa rezoned
An application for the building that once housed the former Europa restaurant has been approved by council. The owners of 426 Gower Point Road applied for an amendment to the Official Community Plan bylaw and for a zoning amendment to allow the vacant commercial space to become residential. Both were adopted without discussion at the Oct. 3 council meeting.
