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Harbour area plan adopted

Third and final reading was given to the Harbour area plan at the March 6 Town of Gibsons council meeting.

Third and final reading was given to the Harbour area plan at the March 6 Town of Gibsons council meeting.

Council addressed a handful of typos and made minor clarifications to the document's text, but the document that passed was nearly identical to that presented to the public on Feb. 28. Public comments from that hearing were also received for information.

A frequent concern raised by residents who attended the public hearing regarded the specificity of some areas of the plan, including height restrictions on buildings, described using the term 'storeys'.

"Heights are governed by the zoning bylaw. We have detailed heights for each sub-area within the harbour plan area," said municipal planner Michael Epp. "They're not measured in storeys, they're measured in metres."

The zoning bylaw allows for a maximum height of approximately 10.5 metres, Mayor Wayne Rowe said.

"I want to make it very clear that I fully recognize the work that was done by the previous council. This plan was unanimously endorsed by that council and we're going to support it," Rowe said. "I think probably the best comment of the evening was the lady who said 'I'm not against change. I just want change I like.' Hopefully we'll get there."

Coun. Gerry Tretick shared his support for the plan saying he expected any future rezoning applications would come under careful scrutiny, as well as involve the public.

"Finding nothing that I see as a show-stopper, I support adoption of this plan for inclusion in the [official community plan]," Tretick said.

Coun. LeeAnn Johnson also supported the plan, but said it will need to be continuously re-evaluated to ensure it responds to development pressures and economic conditions.

Ancillary use bylaw

Also being given final reading was the ancillary use bylaw.

The bylaw allows for accessory retail ventures "with a floor area not more than 50 m."

An example of how the new bylaw could be applied would be a church or museum renting out extra space for an office, or selling beverages and snacks to raise extra revenues.

Social services month

Rowe declared the month of March to be community social services month in the Town of Gibsons.

"The availability of these supportive services helps improve the quality of life for everyone, while making our communities stronger and more stable," read Rowe from the proclamation. "Awareness and support for these services begins at the local level."