Gibsons council has passed a zoning bylaw amendment that allows a test well to be drilled on an undeveloped lot at the corner of Shaw and Chaster roads in the Gospel Rock area.
The move received mixed reviews during an April 16 public hearing, with two speakers supporting the bylaw and two warning that it should not set a precedent.
Supporter Brian Sadler took aim at the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) for refusing to extend its water line to the orphaned property, after two requests by the Town.
"I'm very disappointed that the RD did not help us out," Sadler said, saying it was no way to treat a contiguous neighbour. "It makes so much common sense to connect to the RD."
In opposing the motion during the council meeting later that evening, Coun. Dan Bouman echoed Sadler's comments.
"I was glad to hear the opinion offered that the RD was being perhaps a bit petty by not making water available in this situation," Bouman said. "I agree it was not acceptable and it's causing us to do something that I don't want to see happen, and it'll cause the owner a lot of expense."
Bouman said he was considering raising the issue with SCRD directors. Coun. Gerry Tretick, who as Gibsons director on the SCRD board, had argued unsuccessfully for the connection, told Bouman he was welcome to try.
The property has been in the same hands since before the Town enacted a policy prohibiting well drilling into the aquifer, a point raised in favour of granting the exception by resident Hammy McClymont during the public hearing.
Other speakers included Judith Hamill, who said the bylaw should explicitly state that its does not set a precedent for other unserviced properties in Gibsons, and Suzanne Senger, who said she did not agree with granting the exception and urged council to focus on its aquifer protection plan going forward.
In addition to providing potable water for a single-family dwelling to be constructed on the property, the well will provide data as part of Gibsons' ongoing aquifer monitoring program.
Council rejected an earlier proposal from staff to extend the option of applying for a well to other unserviced properties in the Gospel Rock area.
