After hearing concerns about crowding on the Seawalk, especially near the Harbour Authority wharf where the restaurants are located, the Town of Gibsons is working with officials from Vancouver Coastal Health on ways to improve the situation.
Coun. Stafford Lumley, who owns one of the restaurants on the waterfront, addressed the issue, albeit indirectly, at the July 7 council meeting, calling for patience as summer visitors return to the Coast.
“People who live here have to have a little bit of patience because as much as small businesses need tourists, the small businesses aren’t specifically responsible for how tourists act, or don’t act properly, outside their business,” he said.
“Most businesses have a protocol administered by the health department, but how these people act in public we have no control over.”
Gibsons chief administrative officer Emanuel Machado told Coast Reporter last week that there is signage throughout public areas and, although the town is noticeably busier, in general there’s been “good behaviour” on the part of the public.
5G
Gibsons council is going to review its policy and procedures for approving cell tower locations.
Coun. Annemarie De Andrade raised the issue at the July 7 meeting in response to a letter to the Town that had not yet been released to the public, headed: “Providing a more protective antenna siting and small cell agreement policy.”
De Andrade said Canadian standards lag behind those in Europe and with 5G systems rolling out, “there’s a serious concern… This is not something where we should just sit and relax.”
Coun. David Croal, the Town’s representative at the Sunshine Coast Region District, suggested Telus be invited to give a presentation similar to the one the company gave recently to the regional district board.
De Andrade said if the point is for council to learn more about possible risks, the wireless industry may not be the best source.
“It’s the same story as climate change,” De Andrade said. “The industry denied for years, and now look at the situation… We can still invite them but I don’t know how much they will add.”
Squamish names
Gibsons council is going to work with the Squamish Nation on names for streets and other areas in the new Gospel Rock development. Councillors unanimously approved a motion July 7 to request Squamish input.
Mayor Bill Beamish, who put forward the motion, also asked for council’s backing to amend the Town’s policy on naming streets, parks and public areas. “It’s very much a settler policy,” Beamish said. “It focuses on all our names being ‘to ensure that early settlers, community builders and volunteers are recognized for their contribution to the community.’ I think that’s important, but what is missing there is the traditional names from the Squamish Nation.”
