The following are briefs from the April 5 Town of Gibsons regular council meeting.
With a goal of increasing public awareness and understanding of the importance of the health of the Salish Sea to local and worldwide residents, Gibsons council declared the period starting on June 8 and continuing into mid-2023 as “The Year of the Salish Sea.’ The idea was brought forward by Coun. Annemarie De Andrade following similar actions being taken by Vancouver city council and others.
Town council committed to include public information and education articles on its efforts to protect the marine environment, as well as to explore collaborations with others to raise awareness about the importance of a revitalized and healthy Salish Sea. In addition, it is directing its staff to learn from the lived experiences and knowledge of the area’s Indigenous nations on how to improve the health and management of that natural asset.
Also at the meeting, May was proclaimed child care month, with council committing to support the work of Capilano University and others to recognize the important role that workers in that industry play in local communities.
Another proclamation dubbed the week of April 24-30, as National Volunteer Week in Gibsons, following a presentation by Luke Vorstermans of the Rotary Club of the Sunshine Coast about the crucial services in the community and further afield, provided by residents as volunteers.
Public questions on proposed Stonehurst application changes
With council endorsing a closed session workshop to further discussion of changes proposed by the owner of the Stonehurst property for redevelopment in that area, two members of the public used the meeting inquiry session to express their concerns with that approach. Judith Bonkoff and Denise Dombroski questioned why the public would not be allowed to attend such a session and why council would undertake sale of public property based on the results of a survey that was responded to by 300 of the Town’s nearly 5,000 residents.
Mayor Bill Beamish explained that in a workshop, council can discuss a wide range of alternatives, come to levels of consensus but that any decisions would be voted on in open sessions. He also confirmed that council can openly vote on the sale of public property with or without a referendum or wider public consultation.
Active Transportation Advisory Committee established
Gibsons staff have been tasked with developing terms of reference so that an Active Transportation Committee for the Town can be set up. Alternative youth representative on council, Colten Rockford stated he would like to see secondary school age members included in this soon to be established advisory group. His suggestion was supported by other council members in attendance at the meeting.
Two applications related to beverage service businesses
Following the endorsement of two recommendations to seek public input on expansions for two liquor service establishments in Gibsons, Mayor Bill Beamish commented that there should be “no reason why we don’t get a drink in this town.”
Review processes for applications for patio beverage service at 101 Brewhouse & Distillery at 1009 Gibsons Way and for an accessory lounge endorsement addition to the liquor licence held by One Foot Crow Distillery at 1050 Venture Way will be undertaken in the coming weeks.
