While still proving itself to be a hot button topic, Gibsons council is making some headway in implementing the Gospel Rock neighbourhood plan.
At a special meeting of council June 17, council, with the assistance of staff, were able to complete some decision making on many components of the highly contentious plan.
Extensive dialogue was shared, including the plan's provisions for a wildlife corridor and its width, lowering the cap on development from 300 to 250 units should any development have to rely solely upon one road access, as well as making development align with the Town's water supply based on continuous aquifer mapping.
Council also discussed the issue of Bayview Heights acting as a potential access point, but councillors made it clear although the plan may recognize its possibility, they also want the plan to reflect it as an access they are not in favour of.
While progress was made on the refinement of the plan, council expressed disappointment with the lack of response from senior government organizations including the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Agricultural Land Commission. Mayor Barry Janyk said it was time "to put some pressure" on the agencies.
Another key shared by council was the importance of getting the plan completed in order to send it out for further public feedback.
"It is a plan, a vision. It should never be seen as finite," said planning consultant Michael Rosen.
The meeting lasted nearly three and a half hours, yet council was unable to address all issues surrounding Gospel Rock, including the much-debated matter of potential waterfront development.
That issue, along with other items, will be discussed at the next special council meeting on June 30.
