A proposal for a hotel/conference centre on the Gibsons waterfront could soon be going to a public hearing now that Council has voted in favour of drafting new zoning bylaws.
More than 100 people packed into Town Hall Tuesday night to hear a report from Town planners. It concludes “the George” – which is split into two buildings, the hotel and a residential block – would meet the objectives of the Official Community Plan and Harbour Area Plan.
The overall height and scale of the project, however, remain controversial points.
The recommendations approved in a 3-2 vote (with Councillors Bouman and Johnson opposed), include a geotechnical study of the site and a study of potential impact on the aquifer, but they do not include something that several people have called for; an independent study of the economic benefits claimed by the developers.
Here’s a sampling of what Councillors had to say:
The full text of the recommendations approved last night is:
THAT Council request staff to prepare a draft comprehensive
development style zoning bylaw for Council’s consideration;
AND THAT Council request staff to report on the provision of affordable
housing and community amenities under Council Policy 3.14;
AND THAT Council request staff to arrange an independent review of the
proposal’s geotechnical investigation by a geotechnical engineer selected by
the Town, as well as a hydrogeological review of the proposal by Waterline
Resources, and that the cost of both studies be covered by the applicant.
5. AND THAT the Council request staff to prepare a report and draft a
Development Permit for form and character for Council’s consideration based
on the response and updated drawings from the applicant provided in response
to the Advisory Planning Commission recommendations.
