Gibsons council is saying "yes" to restructure after passing a resolution during a special council meeting Oct. 31.
The resolution, passed unanimously by council, reads: "Following sensitive and careful individual and collective review of all implications of restructuring as it affects the future of the Town, its neighbours of Area E (Elphinstone) and Area F (West Howe Sound) and every constituent member of the Sunshine Coast Regional District, be it resolved that the Gibsons council hereby affirms its unanimous support for the dissolution of the Town of Gibsons to create the new District of Gibsons."
The resolution also states that council "encourages citizens to seriously consider the best future for all in our community when they vote on Nov. 18."
Coun. LeeAnn Johnson was not present at Tuesday's meeting, but she pledged her support for the resolution prior to the meeting.
Council members agreed that this is the best move for all areas involved. "I already view areas E, F and G [sic] as one community - these are the people I see involved in non-profit organizations, societies and other volunteer groups on a regular basis, all working hard for our community," said Coun. Chris Koopmans in an interview with Coast Reporter the next day. "They are also people I socialize with on a regular basis within our community. The fact is we do have a lot in common socially, economically, culturally and in recreation activities. I can't understand why the no side would want to keep us a fractured community as it clearly is the political system that fails to reflect our communities' values, needs and vision. "It is important to note that the recent revision of the letter of offer from the province takes away financial risks involved with this restructure for both the Regional District and the new municipality. Again this means that more money can be spent on delivering improved services to this new municipality."
"For the long-term benefit for the people of the Coast, this process is the only way to proceed, given the huge amount of growth and pressures for development," added Mayor Barry Janyk. "The municipal restructure offers the community the broadest array of tools to manage our communities' future. We have to give up what Gibsons was and start fresh."
The Town of Gibsons is hosting a dialogue session on restructure set for Nov. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. in council chambers. Members of staff and council will be on hand to answer questions and talk about the restructure process.
Council is encouraging the public to attend the information meetings, which are being put on by the Sunshine Coast referendum process committee. The meetings will provide information about the potential impacts of creating a new municipality as well as about the referendum process itself.
The next meetings are Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon when governance will be discussed. Services and taxes will be discussed from 1 to 3 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the Gibsons Legion Hall. The final meeting is Nov. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Gibsons Legion Hall, when all topics will be discussed.
For more information see www.e-f-g-referendum.ca.
