Applause broke out among the congregation at Gibsons town hall Tuesday evening as council postponed enshrining their decision to deny a rezoning for Christ the King Community Church.
An unusually large audience –– some 40 people –– attended the June 3 meeting to witness the fate of a zoning amendment application that to allow for a designated place of worship at 287 Gower Point Road (the Quay Building).
Gibsons committee of the whole had previously recommended denying the rezoning application, but Mayor Silas White introduced a notice of motion to postpone the rezoning’s denial. The delay will allow the council to examine multiple complex considerations surrounding the long-running zoning matter. Instead, it will explore alternative solutions that may allow Christ the King Church to continue operating without permanent rezoning.
The church has been operating at the Gower Point Road location since 2007, initially under temporary use permits that have since expired, creating what council members described as an "unusual situation.”
Mayor Silas White outlined key areas for investigation, including the church's history of operating under non-conforming use, potential temporary use permit options despite provincial restrictions, taxation implications of designating a place of worship, and securing parking commitments from the property owner to support commercial flexibility in the area.
He also explained this is about long-term planning for the town, and when council looks at permanent zoning changes, the town needs to work primarily with the property owner.
Coun. Stafford Lumley emphasized that the issue involves two separate matters: the church's right to operate and the question of rezoning the property. "There's a bit of confusion to the fact that there's operating a church, which I don't think anybody has a problem with, and rezoning the property – they're two completely separate, different things," Lumley said.
The committee's decision raised concerns in the community about religious discrimination.
Coun. Annemarie De Andrade said that the decision has nothing to do with discrimination against any religious group. She said the decision is about council’s responsibility for long-term planning and looking at implications for the entire community, including affordable housing and maintaining a good tax base.
Mayor White highlighted a meeting with the church pastor last week for constructive discussions about the situation and confirmed that the congregation still has plans to eventually move to a new location, making temporary approval arrangements potentially workable for all parties.
The postponement will allow council to engage with the church, the property owner, and the provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs about potential solutions, including whether temporary use permits might be possible.
Council emphasized they will not force the congregation to leave their church space abruptly.
The matter is expected to return to council once staff have had time to explore the considerations outlined in the motion.
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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