News
At the regular meeting of Gibsons Town Council on Tuesday, October 16, Mayor Rowe and all four councillors unanimously agreed to an amendment to the Gospel Rock Neighourhood Plan (GRNP) which will disallow any waterfront development, and change the designation of the waterfront to "greenspace".
The amendment also called for a review of the plan in 5 years with regard to density. Specifically, decisions about density will take into consideration the capabilities of the acquifer, the road access plan, and the financial ability of the town to handle infrastructure spending.
An overflow crowd of 50 spectators came to the meeting to see if democracy in action meant that the council would listen to the public hearing submissions from Thursday October 11, where 52 speakers eloquently opposed the GRNP, with three speakers supporting it.
Mayor Rowe was first to speak in the discussion around adoption of the plan, citing the wealth of information gathered from the public submissions, and introducing the concept of an "amemendment to remove the option of waterfront development".
Councillor Gerry Tretick reiterated his concerns about density in the plan, specifically the increase in the number of proposed units from 400 to 1100+ in the last GRNP revisions. "The density issue needs to be revised and reviewed at a later date in consideration of completion of the aquifer mapping, road access plans and ability of the town to handle infrastructure costs." He also indicated a willingness to remove waterfront development "as long as we don't have to revise the entire plan."
Councillor Lee Ann Johnson referred to the concerns raised by many citizens at the public hearing about the transportation plan and road development. Specifically, she noted that currently there is no control over the ability to develop the northern road access, and that the number of units should be capped prior to completion of the road extension to the north.
She also queried town planner Michael Epp on the tools available for phasing of development, to avoid "leapfrog" development, where infrastructure money is spent by the town upfront, based on anticipation of future development.
Councillor Johnson also addressed the frustration expressed concerning the cost and time-consumed by the planning process: those wanting "closure" and the wanting it all to end to get on with other town business. She pointed out that property owners initiated this process, and that no matter what is adopted, there is still a long road ahead with the aquifer issue not settled, zoning and bylaw issues to be considered and approved.
Additionally, Councillor Johnson pointed out that even though the Gospel Rock area is private property, it is up to local governments to decide on appropriate use through bylaws and zoning. "Many think it's private property, I can do what I want - you can't - none of us can". The plan should have "no waterfront development. The upper bench issues can be worked through." she concluded.
Councillor Dan Bouman was almost speechless with surprise at hearing the remarks by Mayor Rowe and Councillor Tretick. He noted that input from the public hearing was respected and made a difference. It showed once again that "Gospel Rock holds a deeply emotional place in the residents of the Sunshine Coast." He referred to not being a fan of the GR Refinement Committee, because the committee refused to accept "good science".
Councillor Charlene Sanjenko indicated her support for an amendment making changes in the plan to delete references to waterfront development. She insisted that there was the "political will to support the community in fundraising for a Nature Preserve." She also indicated that she believed that the Official Community Plan (OCP) could be reviewed and revised, "since it is 7 years old."
The amendment was a clear statement that council wants to preserve the waterfront as "greenspace", and wants to proceed cautiously with any development. Additionally, passing this amendment will require another public hearing, since, as Mayor Rowe pointed out, "it is a significant change to the plan."
The audience, initially dumbfounded by the prospect of progressive changes to the plan, erupted in cheers with the final unanimous in-favour vote.
The Friends of Gospel Rock Society has plans to organize and fundraise for a possible land trust to protect more of the area for the community.
THE MOTION
MOVED by Councillor Tretick
SECONDED by Councillor BoumanTHAT staff revise the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 985, 2005, Amendment Bylaw 985-8, 2012 as follows:
1. to remove the ‘Cluster’ designation from the waterfront lands and replace this with a ‘Green Space’ designation;
2. by deleting any references to development on the waterfront;
3.to include in the plan document, a statement providing direction to staff and future Councils stating that density will be reviewed in five years with consideration given to the aquifer capacity, road access, and the financial plan that will address the Town’s ability to meet future infrastructure maintenance costs;
AND FURTHER THAT staff report back to Council for recommendations for proceeding with the requested changes.
CARRIED