Editor:
Suppose you woke up one morning and saw a front-end loader clearing the lot across from your house. You would wonder what was going on.This issue has become acute in Creekside, a strategically located neighbourhood between Upper and Lower Gibsons.
More than 70 home-owners have asked the Town of Gibsons to change the zoning bylaws in Creekside. They want regulations regarding size, dimensions and aesthetics for future structures.
No less than 73 people signed the petition in this small neighbourhood with many rentals.
On May 11, the residents presented their concerns to the Gibsons planning committee. The committee was not responsive.
There is a need for affordable housing in Gibsons, all committee members stressed. At present, there is no mobile home park in Gibsons, nor is there room for one. The message was clear: if there is a need for mobile homes in Gibsons, Creekside is where they'll go.
And according to the committee, bylaws about aesthetics in Creekside are not viable.
The people who signed the petition want to make it perfectly clear that they are not against affordable housing, but they would like to see regulations about dimensions, size and aesthetics. They also drew attention to the fact that there are beautiful affordable modular homes on the market.
The residents feel their concerns were not taken seriously by the committee. During the meeting, they were basically told, "Don't come here. If you disagree with building plans in Creekside, go to the individual owner and ask him or her to change their mind.'' This was restated in a recent letter. But why would the lot owner change plans if the zoning allows it?
The residents in Creekside hope they can work together with the Town of Gibsons for a beautiful neighbourhood, for people with all incomes.
Margot Grant
Gibsons
