Gibsons Council members met as both a committee and a council on March 1. Mayor Bill Beamish opened both the afternoon and evening session with a statement in support of the president and the people of the Ukraine. He said that the thoughts and prayers of his council were with them and that Gibsons was issuing a “call for peace and a swift end to this aggression.”
Delegation favours Glassford calming over closure
At the afternoon committee of the whole meeting, resident Mark Evans appeared as a delegation speaking in favour of the re-opening of Glassford Road and Blaine Lane. Gibsons closed both routes on a trial basis six months ago in an effort to make those locations safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Evans reviewed the history of the Town’s efforts to address traffic issues in the area dating back to a 1996 road network plan study, which he said recommended traffic calming and stop signs as solutions, rather than closures. He also presented a petition of those residing near the area of the closed routes conducted between Jan. 29 and Feb.7, 2022 containing 85 signatures in support of reopening. While canvassing for signatures, he said six residents told him that they were happy with the closure.
He questioned the need for another staff report to council on the matter. “I and others are at a loss as to why this is being proposed again,” he said. He requested council immediately ask for the repositioning of the barricades to narrow rather than close the road, the posting of a 30 kmph speed limit and the installation of stop signs at all intersections along Glassford to calm traffic.
The committee thanked Evans for his presentation and stated that this issue is slated to be dealt with during the first quarter of 2022 and therefore by the end of March.
Housing strategy and priorities report
The committee referred its Housing Strategy and Priorities Report prepared by staff and consulting firm Urban Matters to council for endorsement. Prior to implementing any of the actions recommended in the document, director of planning Lesley Anne Staats noted that council will have an opportunity to consider the financial implications. One of those recommendations is that the strategy and housing needs assessment reports be updated every five years.
In discussion, committee members noted that the Town’s efforts toward regulation of short-term rentals based on the priority of protecting long-term housing should be identified in the strategy.
“Still Standing” to come to town April 7
At the evening council meeting, Coun. David Croal noted that the CBC television comedy series “Still Standing” would be visiting Gibsons on April 7 to record an episode. He noted that the show, hosted by comedian Jonny Harris, focuses on how smaller Canadian communities adjust to changes, such as the ones Gibsons faced with the introduction and then discontinuation of “The Beachcombers” television series.
Youth Councillor against SD46 proposed tree removals
Alternate youth Coun. Colton Rockford raised concerns about School District #46’s (SD46) plan to cut several dozen trees at its Gibsons Elementary location. Mayor Beamish stated that no Town tree cutting permits have been issued for that work, which he said he had been advised was to occur during spring break for students in March. He said that Gibsons bylaw enforcement have requested a copy of SD46 report on community consultation about the tree removal in advance of consideration of issuing any tree cutting permits.
More debate on spring arena ice
Representatives of ice user groups and the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), as arena managers, are being invited to appear as delegations at the Mar. 15 council meeting to explain reasoning behind the SCRD’s decision to not offer spring season ice at either of the Coast’s arenas. Coun. Croal who represents the Town on the SCRD Board stated the reasons “boil down to dollars” and that it is difficult to ask the taxpayer to cover the extra costs related to keeping ice in place especially if warm weather comes early, as “then costs go through the roof."
