Two of the most critical voices on the development of Gospel Rock have joined forces to say they generally support some aspects of the latest plan, but there are still some issues to be resolved.
The Sunshine Coast Conservation Association (SCCA) and Friends of Gospel Rock Society (FOGRS) have co-written a letter to the Town of Gibsons and Gospel Rock refinement working committee saying both groups agree with higher density housing in the upland area if it results in the conservation of more natural areas.
The letter goes on to state the groups generally support the hybrid plan's use of the upland portion of Gospel Rock, but they would like to see the wildlife corridor moved to the east side of the development in line with Charman Creek.
The largest remaining sticking point is waterfront development.
The SCCA and FOGRS called the potential plan to purchase the waterfront property an "important new approach." Both groups suggest they will support any efforts to work with local business, the community and conservation partners to make that a reality but also state they believe there is no reason the Town must allow development of the waterfront.
"There is no obligation on the Town's part to establish a neighbourhood plan or any bylaw that allows waterfront development or any other land use that it considers to be not in the public interest," the letter reads.
The letter is signed by SCCA executive director Dan Bouman and FOGRS chair Patricia Braithwaite.
Bouman said the groups share many of the same goals, but protection of the ecologically sensitive waterfront is paramount.
"I don't see the whole plan as flawed. I see some things that are not great about it, but I think there are solutions there and things can be worked out. The problem is the waterfront. It's basically hanging up a not-too-bad plan and they need to resolve it. I think they recognize that," he said.
Braithwaite echoed the sentiment.
"We're both determined to not see development on the waterfront, and we're working with the community to that end," she said.
Mayor Barry Janyk said council was receptive to the letter and has already responded to the SCCA and FOGRS with the message that if the community wants the waterfront left undeveloped, the community will have to take the lead on it.
"Basically [the letter] says 'if you guys have an interest in attaining more of the waterfront for conservation purposes, go ahead.' Under the official community plan, it says explicitly that the Town shall provide assistance to community organizations and citizens at large in raising funds to purchase land in the Gospel Rock area in order to create park space," Janyk said. "We won't lead, but we will provide assistance because it's not our responsibility to do that. It's the community's responsibility, but we will help them to pursue what they believe to be best for the community."
Janyk said he will take on the role of mediator between the community groups and property owners.
The refinement committee is scheduled to meet next on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 21. Janyk sad he expects the committee will proceed with the finalization of the neighbourhood plan "subject to those remaining areas of waterfront being offered for a specified period of time to interested parties as identified in the official community plan."
