Trees
Councillors in Gibsons have voted to give some of the street trees in front of Holland Park on Gower Point Road a reprieve – at least for now.
Town staff said last month that five trees, which were originally planted in raised beds integrated with the sidewalk, have now grown big enough that their root systems are causing serious damage to the concrete, so they have to go.
The original plan was to replace them with planters, and add new trees away from the sidewalk.
After discussion at committee Feb. 6, councillors voted that night to authorize the removal of just one tree. That tree is causing the most damage and is at the spot where the Town wants to install an electric vehicle charging station.
The planting of the new trees will still go ahead. Coun. Jeremy Valeriote suggested that approach to give the new trees time to get established before the others get to the point that there’s no choice but to cut them down.
Removing the trees, repairing the sidewalk and installing the new landscaping could cost an estimated $25,000 on top of the $15,000 already budgeted for the charging station.
Tapworks expansion
Councillors also voted Tuesday to start the public notification process ahead of offering feedback on an application from Gibsons Tapworks to change its liquor licence.
The owners of the Cruice Lane microbrewery want to add a rooftop patio and extend their hours. The seating capacity would remain at 52 because of a shortage of parking.
Mayor Wayne Rowe noted that his discussions with neighbours since Tapworks opened have suggested residents have few issues, but he said a rooftop patio could change that and urged the owners to make sure they “engage fully” before going ahead.
Although the capacity will stay at 52, the Tapworks representatives on hand for the meeting said their application to the province will ask for an increase to 96 so that option is available if more parking is found in the future.
