The following letter was sent to Gibsons mayor and council and copied to Coast Reporter.

I notice there is a large sign in front of the Gibsons Garden Inn asking the Town to rezone this care facility so it can be a motel once more.

I suppose the building has changed hands. I don’t know what the new owner can be thinking. About 15 years ago, this property was converted from a motel to a care home, presumably because a care home is more profitable.

I don’t believe this has changed. Are existing motels full to capacity? I know that B&Bs are not, and I understand that the Town had a study done regarding the proposed waterfront hotel and found that it would not be economically feasible.

For one thing, the expense and inconvenience of our ferry system (especially since privatization) discourages tourists from visiting Gibsons, and the lack of proper marine facilities probably discourages boaters.  

What would happen to the people already living in Gibsons Garden Inn should this rezoning be approved? I don’t have a friend or relative living there, but surely those of us in the baby boom generation will soon be providing a better market for elder care than the kind of market yet another motel can command.

I urge council to refuse this rezoning application.

Anne Miles

Gibsons