The Seaside Centre was the latest location to play host to public opposition over the Wakefield development project in West Sechelt.
Sechelt Mayor Cam Reid and council listened to public concerns over the liquor primary licence in conjunction with a bistro development at a public hearing Wednesday night.
The development calls for 12 units and a 40-seat bistro to be built within the community-themed development project. The bistro would hold a liquor primary licence for 20 seats and a restaurant primary licence for the other 20 seats.
Regular hours for the bistro would not exceed 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fifteen parking spaces would be allocated for bistro patrons.
Concerns over the neighbourhood issues arising out of the possibility of an off-sale liquor store were raised, as well as concerns over what the new bistro would do to local downtown neighbourhood business.
Viki Vanhorn, who spoke on Dale Schweighardt's behalf representing management at the Lighthouse Pub, read a letter addressed to council.
"I am clearly opposed to the project and want to see the rezoning fail," Vanhorn read to an audience of about 40 people. "This project comes at a high price to our community, and it would create a noisy neighbour situation for all the residents of that community. The instant effects will be an influx of commercial trucks, garbage removal and an increase in traffic. All these factors change the nature of the neighbourhood, no longer leaving it a nice, quiet ocean community."
The Wakefield project has been faced with public criticism since its unveiling, a project which is now in its second phase.
"I am asking council to remember why you are here, to stand up for the residents of Sechelt and have their best interest at heart," said Arden Inkster, owner of Gilligan's Pub.
Not everyone in attendance was against the addition of a liquor primary licence for the bistro, stating that there has been a void left in the community since the Wakefield Inn was torn down.
"The Wakefield Inn is missed, and members of the community have encouraged us and the planning department to put a commercial facility in the area," said John Gillespie, development manager for the project. "There is no data to support a traffic problem caused by congestion along the highway or due to an off-sale liquor store."
Future residents of the development project were also in attendance showing their support for the bistro.
"My wife and I bought a place in the Wakefield community project, and we bought the home based on what we saw, a community-centred development project," said Bob Waters. "When we learned there would be a bistro in the location, we were very excited. It will be complementary to the development."
"We believe that we build beautiful homes and create park spaces that everyone can enjoy, without sacrificing the security of the home owners," Lance Sparling of Wakefield Homes explained.
"We feel that the bistro would be a welcome addition to the development project. This has been a major learning experience for our organization, and we apologize for any controversy the liquor licence has caused. We are a family-oriented business, and we are here for the long haul."
Where there was praise, there was also opposition.
"The Sunshine Coast has more liquor stores than public schools," said West Sechelt resident David Faber. "I want to know why we are here. Council has already voted 5-0 in opposition of the bistro and the liquor primary licence. I think it would be wise for council to stick with its original decision."
"I was happy to see the old Wakefield Inn go. I think that a bistro would distract from the natural surroundings of the highway, and I think there are more important issues that council should be addressing," added Porpoise Bay resident Amanda Fort.
Following the hearing, District of Sechelt staff said they could not say when the matter would come forward to council again.
