The following letter was sent to Gibsons council and copied to Coast Reporter.
In the early 1970s, I was involved in the design, construction and administration of the town of Logan Lake, B.C. This beautiful town was occupied by its first residents in an 18-month time span from the decision to proceed with construction. Deer, bears, cougars, eagles and a variety of vegetation all lived there and still do, but so do many families, much like Gibsons. Having spent many hours reviewing the volumes of material regarding the development of Gospel Rock, I believe more than enough research has been done for a decision to proceed. The latest neighbourhood plan, with the approval of the landowners, should proceed.
I realize that private property rights mean nothing to opponents (except for their property), many of whom don't live in Gibsons and don't pay taxes here or are not impacted by this development. Upon review of the well-presented material by the Friends of Gospel Rock, I was struck by a revelation that this area must have been God's plan for the Garden of Eden or a Holy Land blueprint. Why the continuing pandering to opponents of this development who, no matter what concessions are made by the landowners and Town, will use whatever tactics they can dream up to continue to oppose? These are the same people who opposed eliminating angle parking in Lower Gibsons and planting trees, the building of London Drugs, the building of Canadian Tire, building condos in Lower Gibsons, etc. I wonder what opposition George Gibsons endured when he wanted to build a school, church and rooming house?
Towns are about people having jobs, raising families in vibrant neighbourhoods, respecting individual property rights, providing places for kids to play and trying to keep deer out of gardens. Towns don't need wildlife corridors. It's time to respect the work done by the many professional designers, town planners, volunteers and owners and grant the building permits necessary to proceed.
Arthur Geikie, Gibsons
