Gibsons council made some further amendments to the harbour area draft plan including a request for the addition of a crime prevention policy at its Oct. 18 meeting.
Municipal planner Michael Epp said more input from the Oct. 5 open house is still expected and that Tuesday's changes to the draft were relatively minor.
As for the crime prevention policy, it was born of a request by the RCMP that the committee explore environmental alterations that might inhibit crime in the area, such as changes to the lighting.
"There will be a recommendation from staff to incorporate those further changes and to bring the plan forward in bylaw format," Epp said, hinting that the plan could be tabled at the Nov. 15 meeting of council.
Coun. Bob Curry quipped that had George Gibson taken as much time to consider harbour development, the Town might never have existed.
"It's been what, 10 years?" he asked jokingly.
Invasive plants
Residents could be receiving a pamphlet with their next utility bill that aims to help them identify local invasive plant species.
Flora like the knotweed have been known to wreak havoc on Coastal areas, but Coun. Gerry Tretick echoed his feelings that some people might not know how to identify them.
"Not a bad looking plant when you see it, but a problem plant," he said. "Most of us could walk by it and not realize it is, in fact, a real problem."
The idea offered was to include the pamphlets with existing Town mail to avoid extra costs.
Sign construction
Council correspondence signed by a handful of business owners dated Oct. 12 raised concerns over a new Welcome to Gibsons sign they feel could block the view of their existing commercial signage.
Gibsons administrator Warren Waycheshen requested time to investigate the matter and find a workable solution. As the plaza merchants requested construction to be halted, he said that should occur until a remedy is found.
In their letter to council, the plaza merchants mused about the possibility of increasing the size of their signage at Town expense or being compensated for their loss of advertising.
"If council could direct this issue back to staff, we would be able to take a look at it," Waycheshen said.
Townhomes
A proposal was tabled for second reading to rezone the area at 715 Corlett Rd. in order to allow for the construction of six new townhouses.
The current iteration of the proposal had its first reading Oct. 4. Part of the requirements sought by staff and council include the development of a landscaped amenity area accessible by the public and maintained by the owner.
"It's necessary at the rezoning stage to put a covenant on the title that would obligate the property owner to satisfy these conditions at a later date," Epp said.
The proposed covenant also adds the requirement that the owner provide street lighting and sidewalks along Corlett Road, Epp said.
A tentative date has been set for Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. to hold a public hearing on the proposal, allowing interest groups in the area to raise any concerns they might have.
Stall vendors
A bylaw amendment proposed by Town staff could see small vendors occupying public or non-profit spaces like churches and the museum.
As non-profit groups struggle to find new sources of income, the idea of allowing small accessory retail outlets, or even office space, in Gibsons' public zones is one gaining appeal.
"Rather than coming in looking for handouts, it offers them the opportunity to be a little bit entrepreneurial," Coun. Gerry Tretick offered as a reason to support the proposal. "In other words, if it's limited to a certain size, it can't go crazy and basically a church suddenly becomes a takeout restaurant."
Director of finance Ian Poole echoed his concerns that retail dollars could have an impact on the taxation benefits enjoyed by non-profits, potentially negating their benefit entirely.
"We've kind of said right from the get-go with them to be careful what you wish for," Poole said.
