The latest draft of the Gospel Rock neighbourhood plan is not meeting with much approval, it seems.
More than 300 people came out on April 6 to voice their opinions about the plan, and by all accounts, the Town of Gibsons still has a lot of work to do.
Many of those who are against, appear to have one major common beef - they want to see no development.
We understand the reasons why so many don't want to see Gospel Rock developed. It has environmental values and is a pristine area where so many go to recreate and enjoy. We get it - but saying no to development is not an option. And as Mayor Barry Janyk pointed out to us this week, saying no development does not work for the Town.
The developer who owns the property wants to develop the area and has a right to do that so long as all conditions and bylaws are met to the satisfaction of the Town. The whole area won't be developed, and from where we sit, the current draft plan saves a tremendous amount of the area for green space, wildlife corridors and environmental protection. Sure, it would be great if there was more land saved, and maybe there can be, if residents start getting on board. But the nasty letters to the editor and emails to Town staff condemning them for this are not productive.
Instead of coming to meetings and being rude and disrespectful to the Town's consultant and the moderator (which some people were on April 6), let's start putting those energies towards a plan - a plan that can work for everyone. There has to be some compromise, and there has to be some willingness to work with the Town and the developer here. If people don't start realizing this, we honestly don't know where the Town can go.
Has the Town done everything right? No. But if the Town tries to please everyone, then this plan is never going to be completed.
An appeal to young voters
During every election campaign, be it municipal or federal, there is always discussion and appeals to the future - our youth.
And this current federal election is no different.
Youth voters usually have a lower percentage in terms of turnout than other age categories, and we would like to see that change on May 2.
We know politics is not everyone's cup of tea, and we suspect youth would rather be doing many other things than learning about the candidates and the issues. But now more than ever, the youth of this riding and this country must become active and be the catalysts for change. Find a party and a candidate you can relate to, learn about what they stand for, and get to the polls on May 2.
Young people, you are the future - and you can make a difference.
