Gibsons council has given support in principle for six affordable housing units in the Parkland subdivision, but rejected a second proposal on Gibsons Way.
At the May 7 regular meeting, council approved the price of $229,000 for each of six 1,000-sq.ft. (90-sq.-metre) units in three duplexes on Payne Road in Upper Gibsons.
Council, however, could not agree on the number of units to ask the developer to provide in a proposed four-storey mixed commercial and residential development on Gibsons Way, next to the Petro-Canada service station.
Staff recommended council accept one affordable housing unit in the planned 28-unit building, waiving the 10 per cent requirement by applying it only to the eight units added after the lift in density from rezoning.
Coun. Dan Bouman called the proposal a major revision of the Town's policy.
"I really don't want to see that precedent set," Bouman said. "I want two units plus a contribution to the reserve fund. It's a strong message that we are serious about affordable housing."
Coun. Lee Ann Johnson said the 10 per cent requirement was intended for projects as a whole, not to be based on the density increase due to rezoning.
"So I am not happy about this," Johnson said. "I am concerned. I think we should be asking for two units if not more."
Mayor Wayne Rowe said he accepted the staff recommendation, which had also been adopted by council in committee.
"This development is about ready to go and personally I think it would be very unfortunate if we put up a roadblock at this stage of the game," Rowe said. "That lot's been sitting there empty for so long. To me, the difference between one unit or two is a small price to pay to get this going."
Rowe and Coun. Charlene SanJenko voted in favour of the proposed agreement, but with Coun. Gerry Tretick absent, the vote was tied and the motion was defeated.
A housing agreement and bylaw for the Parkland units will come back to council for consideration. Council will also look at holding a workshop on affordable housing.
