At their first meeting after the August break, councillors in Gibsons got a look at two development permit requests for commercial properties in Lower Gibsons.
The owners of 444 Gower Point Road want to convert the house on the property into a Mexican restaurant, and make changes to the building that would require allowing the structure to go right to the property line at the front and back to allow for “an accessible entrance, architectural features and a covered dining porch at the front of the building.”
Current zoning requires a setback of three metres, so a variance permit is needed.
The other request was for 505 Gower Point Road, the Gibsons Landing Inn (formerly the Ritz Motel).
The hotel is currently undergoing renovations and upgrades after being purchased by Bayside Studios Inc. in 2016. The upgrades include sprinkler systems and an elevator.
The elevator would go in a tower-like structure between the two existing buildings. The plan also calls for an extended lower deck on the building’s Dougall Road façade. Both require a development permit for form and character.
Mayor Wayne Rowe noted that he’s pleased to see projects moving ahead on both of the Gower Point Road properties.
“That [444 Gower Point Road] property has always been a bit challenging to do something with, and it certainly would appear to be a significant enhancement and could provide some synergy with the [Gibsons Public] Market as well,” Rowe said.
He made similar comments about the hotel. “It’s good to see that building being renovated and there’s certainly a need for that kind of accommodation.”
Council voted to have the planning department advise neighbouring residents of the applications, with the comments to come back to council before a final decision.
Council has yet to weigh in on a third redevelopment proposal involving a commercial property in Lower Gibsons.
The owners of the building that currently houses Smitty’s Oyster House are seeking approval to add a two-storey residence to the top of the building.
At the July 21 meeting of the Advisory Planning Commission (APC), members expressed concerns about the addition blocking the view from Molly’s Reach, which is also owned by John Smith and his family.
Town planners have acknowledged that the proposal, as it stands, does not meet all the design guidelines for the Landing.
The APC passed a recommendation noting that a two-storey addition that conforms to the guidelines is possible, but “the current design seems out of context with the small scale development pattern and the historical character of adjacent buildings.”
It’s unclear when that proposal will go forward to council.
The development proposals are seen by Town officials as a sign the economy is picking up in Lower Gibsons.
In a conversation with Coast Reporter just before the Sept. 5 council meeting, chief administrative officer Emanuel Machado said staff expect to present the results of a “snapshot” that will lay the groundwork for a Harbour Area Economic Development Strategy later this month.
