Gibsons council has approved an alternative approval process to proceed with a number of water capital improvements.
At the May 21 council meeting, councillors were updated by corporate officer Selina Williams on the 2013 water capital budget, which proposes a variety of projects with $720,000 funded through debt.
The primary project is the replacement of approximately 500m of watermain along Gibsons Way from Sunnycrest Road to School Road.
Williams said the loan authorization bylaw for the water capital improvements has come before council to commence the adoption process with first reading on April 16 and second and third readings on May 25. The bylaw has also been forwarded to the inspector of municipalities for approval.
"In addition to the approval of the inspector of municipalities, the Community Charter also requires that loan authorization bylaws receive approval of electors prior to being adopted," Williams said. "This can be accomplished through either a voting opportunity (referendum) or by alternative approval process."
Council voted unanimously to go with an AAP. The deadline for receiving elector responses is July 2.
Sunbelt properties
A rezoning and development permit application for a proposed 28-unit townhouse development on Park Road received first and second reading at Tuesday's committee of the whole meeting.
Sunbelt Properties has applied for rezoning and a development permit for the proposal. Town staff has identified the need for a official community plan amendment to accommodate the proposed density with the new designation multi-family residential 2 - medium density allowing for a density range between 40 and 75 units/ha.
"Existing zoning for the site is single family residential and two-family residential zone (R-3)," said director of planning Andre Boel in his report to council. "Sunbelt Properties is proposing to rezone cluster residential, a zone aimed at providing options for a variety of building forms having a single-family character. With regards to community amenities and affordable housing, the proposal included three price restricted affordable units priced below $241,000, two adaptable units."
Boel said he was recommending first and second reading for the OCP amendment and zoning amendment, but that staff was working with the developer regarding further community amenities before setting a date for public hearing.
In general council seemed pleased with the proposed development.
"I think this is good use of land and in principle it is a great project," said Coun. Gerry Tretick. "Its price point is excellent and people are looking for this type of priced project in this area where they can utilize the area facilities. I hope you can get there with staff for this project."
GLHA
Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority (GLHA) president Terry Rhodes and director Joseph Wright happily appeared as a delegation Tuesday night to update council on the progress of the new float in the harbour and other GLHA projects.
Both Rhodes and Wright were pleased to report about the float project which is up and running.
"I'm amazed when I look back that the project planning and funding took months and months and the implementation took just a few weeks," said Wright, who was project coordinator. "The outstanding work is lighting and electrical services on the new floating dock and that should be complete in the next few weeks. Everything is causing tremendous excitement. I think in three or four weeks we only heard one negative comment on the project."
The GLHA has an official opening set for May 29 at 1 p.m. at the harbour, which is open to the public.
Rhodes also updated council on the foot passenger service proposed by English Bay Launch and reported in the May 17Coast Reporter.
"We have reached a tentative agreement. We feel their proposal will fill a much necessary and under reached market. They appear to be a responsible and dependable company," said Rhodes.
Rhodes also said Tofino Air has approached the GLHA about setting up a sea plane float within the GLHA facility, which would offer Howe Sound tours and scheduled flights to the Lower Mainland.
"We have worked out a trail venture to start in early June," he said, adding another airline has also expressed interest. "This is a chance to see if there is a market for this."
