The Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden Society moved a little closer this week to seeing their dream project become reality.
The planning committee in Gibsons has recommended council approve in principle the society's plans, allowing the society to proceed to the next phase of their project.
Things have not been easy for the society. It's been a long road.
The idea of a botanical garden has been floating around for more than two years.
When the society first started the project, they were a little naïve in their thinking. They assumed the community would back the project right from the start. That didn't happen. A group of concerned citizens, disappointed that a proper community consultation process didn't take place, all but killed the society's hopes of getting a major funding grant, which would have made the project more attractive to the council of the day.
The society did have some public consultation, but clearly, in our opinion, it wasn't enough. Undaunted, the society stepped back a bit and re-evaluated.
Since then, the society has gotten back on track. Since last summer, 11 focus group sessions, six strategic/expert planning meetings and three public meetings have been held.
At the most recent public meeting in late March, questionnaires were handed out. Of the ones returned, 57 indicated support for the project, three indicated no support and six were undecided. This is a great achievement for the society, as it clearly shows their public consultation process is working.
The society now boasts more than 350 members, a solid core of directors and 100-plus volunteers who have already secured $160,000 in cash and in-kind donations. Millions of dollars more are needed, but at least it's a start.The society has a 20-year plan in place. The garden won't be built over night.
We've seen many developers come to municipal governments lately seeking support for projects.
Some have no clue what they're doing and don't take into account community feedback and the desires of residents.
The garden society has done their homework. The presentation they made this week was thorough and professional. The next phase should start soon, with re-zoning and more consultation from the public and the Town of Gibsons.
The society is on the right track and has the makings of a wonderful destination tourism and educational opportunity that would serve the Sunshine Coast well.
Let's get behind this project and make it happen.
