A call to reopen Glassford Road came from Town resident Mark Evans during the public inquiry session of the May 3 Gibsons Council meeting. With a reminder that the closure was introduced as a six-month trial that has continued for over eight months, Evans stated “we (who live) on the road face a real danger… the road was safe before, now it is unsafe.” He asked why discussion of the closure was not included on the meeting agenda under the unfinished business category.
In response to the concerns raised, chief administrative officer Emanuel Machado stated that a staff report would be forwarded to council on the issue in the coming weeks, but that due to a staff member being on leave until mid-May, the item will likely not be on the agenda until the June 7 council meeting.
Evans noted that the upcoming report had been promised in late February. Mayor Beamish said he appreciated Evans's reminder and the concerns that he brought forward.
Marking mindfulness
The council meeting began with Beamish reading from a message shared by a Town manager with all staff regarding Mental Health Week (May 2 to 8) and the importance of having a workplace that invites sharing and support among all. Some members of the council were wearing green lapel ribbons in recognition of the week.
May 13 was proclaimed Falun Dafa day in Gibsons by Mayor Beamish, recognizing the ancient exercise and meditation practice of mind, body, and spirit based on the universal principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance.
“When the mind is at peace, the world becomes peaceful,” Coun. Annemaire De Andrade stated, noting her view this was crucial in times of global unrest.
Celebration moderation
Council opted for a scaled-down proposal of two public music and celebration events this summer in addition to the Town’s Music In the Landing program. On July 16, an event marking the Squamish Ocean Canoe Family will be hosted, with plans for performances of First Nations songs and regalia, as well as an audience participation dance. In celebration of the Labour Day long weekend, public music performances in Winegarden Park are planned for Sept. 3, 4 and 5.
The budget for the two events is $5,900, which will be covered by funding available in the 2022 budget. A larger proposal for four special events at a cost of $13,300 was not supported by council. During the public inquiry session of the meeting, that decision elicited the reaction of “what a bummer” from Town resident Donna Thomas.
Committee rejects variance application
Council members began their May 3 work day as elected officials with a committee of the whole meeting at 3 p.m. At that gathering, the group opted to reject an application for a height variance for a new residential structure being planned at Lot 47, Shoal Lookout.
That decision came in a tie, and therefore defeated, vote. Coun. Aleria Ladwig and David Croal voted in support of moving the proposal to council for consideration of a notification to neighbours. With Coun. Annemarie De Andrade absent from the meeting, Mayor Bill Beamish and Coun. Stafford Lumley voted against further consideration of the application.
Property owner Cindy Masaro and a representative of the building team involved with the project were in attendance at the meeting. They noted that the proposed design was chosen to mitigate impacts on the views of surrounding properties but would require a variance to allow the new home to be 2.3 meters taller than the allowed height of eight metres. Masaro stated that the owners of neighbouring parcels have been kept up to date on the plans, including the height variance request, and were supportive.
Without a committee recommendation, the project proponents were referred to staff to amend or abandon the application.
