Gibsons council has given third reading to a massive new bylaw for subdivision and development servicing and storm water management.
More than 300 pages long, the proposed bylaw sets new servicing standards for roads, sidewalks, streetlights and drainage.
Speaking at council last month, chief administrative officer Emanuel Machado commended director of engineering Dave Newman for the giant undertaking, which was years in the draft phase.
“Part of David’s consideration was to lower the cost to the development community and that goal was met. Second was to reduce the cost of infrastructure and thirdly, to share this document with other [municipalities] on the Coast,” Machado said. “Also, the pedestrian was prioritized. We tried to put people first.”
Newman said he met with a member from Transportation Choices (TRaC) and made a few late tweaks, but was pleased that TRaC found little in the bylaw that needed changing to accommodate the needs of cyclists.
“I do believe the standards have gone a long way toward addressing our infrastructure concerns,” Newman said.
Coun. Lee Ann Johnson said it was important to realize how the new bylaw links to climate change.
“It’s a very important step,” Johnson said.
The bylaw received second and third reading on Dec. 18. An official community plan (OCP) amendment was also given first reading and a public hearing on the OCP amendment is scheduled for Jan. 22 at 5 p.m.
