Gibsons council has defeated an application for two duplexes at 565 Gibsons Way.
Mayor Silas White put forward the recommendation to give first reading with the option of a covenant.
“I feel we need to slow this down a bit, but not kill it at this point because there’s so much confusion out there,” he said.
A community dialogue held on Sept. 12 was “confusing” to the public and to council, White said, due to a change in process from the provincial government for applications that comply with Official Community Plans. He added that there was not an appetite for a neighbourhood rezoning, as discussed via the dialogue in hopes to avoid spot zoning.
The proposal sought rezoning to allow four residential suites (two in each duplex), with two legal secondary suites, for a total of six residential units. A covenant placed on title prior to adoption would prohibit residential guest accommodations (short-term rentals), and another would also require sprinklers. Current zoning allows two duplex units each with secondary suites and a garden suite for a total of five residential units. The motion also asked for additional information about parking and improved access for vehicles.
At the Oct. 3 council meeting, elected officials voted four to one to defeat first reading. White was the lone vote in favour of the motion.
Councillors raised their concerns about increasing cars in the area, as well as view projection. Coun. Annemarie De Andrade said, “We talk about gentle density, but this is more than gentle density. This is a lot of density for a very challenging area,” she said, raising a concern about small-town character and not wanting Gibsons to become North Vancouver.
White responded that density is coming in some way, and gave his support “because this is what the Official Community Plan calls for” and that some of the challenges posed could be improved by developing the lot.
Coun. Christi Thompson said she had more questions for the developer. Coun. Stafford Lumley said, “Obviously, I’m not against rentals, but I can’t vote for this just to increase one rental apartment in the Town of Gibsons,” and cited his concerns about the setbacks, and creating dark alleyways instead of green corridors.
