Editor:
Recently, 73 residents of the Creekside neighbourhood in Gibsons petitioned the Town to implement new zoning bylaws that would guide the development of new housing in Creekside. This initiative was sparked by the Town's approval of another mobile home installation in Creekside.
The newest mobile home was installed across from the Pacific View development, which is controlled by a building scheme. The residents of this development were dismayed that the Town would approve a mobile home installation in an area that it just doesn't fit.
The Pacific View residents were very concerned that this mobile home would affect their property values and the aesthetics of the neighbourhood. The residents who signed the petition asked the Town to modify the zoning bylaws to guide further development in the area. The residents presented the petition to the Town and attended a planning committee meeting. They have been repeatedly told that the Town is powerless to do anything to guide development in the Town.
The town planner says the Town cannot create zoning "that differentiates, or limits, one kind of single family home over another." Then, why does the Town have an official community plan? The Town is placing responsibility on its property owners to place building restrictions, at their own expense, to guide the development of new housing in the Town.
It seems the Town is not taking any responsibility to direct the development of the residential properties in Gibsons. The Town does not seem to have any concern for the residents that have already invested in their properties. Is it possible that the Town has no power to guide its own residential development, or, is the Town only interested in its own hidden agenda?
Carol Johns
Gibsons
