Editor:
The Town of Gibsons is considering the proposed “Billy’s Walk Residences” development on four lots along Gibsons Way and part of School Road. This development will add up to 47 new apartments to Lower Gibsons. As the properties are already zoned for this density, there’s no need for public hearings to allow this number of dwellings. So, it’s totally up to our elected council to decide what style of development gets built.
The project’s architectural drawings and renderings show five buildings being built, rather than just one or two larger structures. It has the potential to create a pleasant area and set the example for future residential development in Lower Gibsons.
The proposed project will also complement Gibsons’ town owned lot along School Road which is fortunately still being used as two very important “camouflaged-as-green space’’ municipal parking lots. This is thanks to the foresight of our council when it decided to not pass a 2022 application which would have had the town sell that important town asset to the adjacent Stonehurst property developer.
It’s nice to see Gibsons’ council not accepting a developer’s enticement to sell the parking areas when offered.
It’s also good to know that the planning department is presenting thoroughly thought-out plans to council with which to make decisions, such as with this new development. And most importantly, it’s great having our council represent most citizens’ desires … all for the long-term benefit of our town. Now let’s hope that if a new development proposal for the Stonehurst property is presented, it will receive the same intelligent thought process and that Gibsons will continue owning its adjacent property amongst all the new development for many years to come.
Denis Prevost, Gibsons
