Coasters packed into Gibsons Cedars Inn Feb. 28 to catch a glimpse of the harbour area plan and share their comments.
Gibsons staff began by reading off more than 41 minutes worth of letters from the community before opening the floor to a long list of speakers.
The road to a public hearing for the plan has been a long one, with the current iteration of the plan beginning life during the start of the last council's term.
If and when it is adopted, the plan will form an insert into the Town's official community plan and provide a guideline for this and future council's deliberations on developments.
Comments made by the public were generally supportive, acknowledging the amount of work that has gone into what is a 60-page document that aims to enhance the economy of Lower Gibsons while also maintaining the culture, character and heritage of the Town.
Several residents, however, felt the plan required more concrete language.
"Conflict arises when expectations are not clear. We want future developers to be given enough clear direction that they will know what this town expects from them," one resident wrote in a letter.
With regards to the language of the plan, several residents pointed to the conflict that grew out of the Shoal Bay development proposals as a reason to avoid the use of words like 'storeys,' in favour of more measured height restrictions.
Others acknowledged the flexibility of the plan, but warned that future planning activities might need to walk a fine line to ensure the Town's objectives are heeded.
"I think it's really great that you guys are pushing ahead on this," said one person who had lined up to speak, adding that "the essence of really good planning is careful implementation, and I trust you'll do that."
Environmental concerns also coloured the comments, with several echoing their worries about eel grass fish habitats that line the harbour.
The Fisheries Act prohibits the disruption of these sensitive habitats, which can be damaged by boat anchors and other marine equipment.
Others came forward to share their thoughts on future developments in the Town, sharing their hopes that the plan will cater to residents rather than just visitors and property investors.
One Gibsons Landing business owner said that both councils and locals would need to avoid issuing a carte blanche to developers when looking to revitalize the harbour area.
"Let's not overdo it. Let's not have Whistler in Lower Gibsons. Let's have maybe Granville Island or something," she said.
Another Lower Gibsons business owner commented that she hoped the aim would be to keep the area "as pedestrian friendly as possible."
Indeed, much of the discussion centred on economic considerations and the desire to inject life into the Landing.
Some comments zeroed in on the interest that has been expressed to construct a hotel and conference centre in the Landing, a possibility that the plan in no way guarantees.
One resident said they were more interested in marine and park developments that could attract visitors year round while also being enjoyed by locals.
Others raised the possibility of trying to attract an environmental educational facility that could cater to young people and the unique character of Gibsons.
"A package will be put together for council because it's a lot to try to take in while we're here tonight," Mayor Wayne Rowe said, describing council's homework now that the comment period is closed. "We'll study all of this."
