Editor:
Recently the Town of Gibsons put out a request for prioritizing monies from developers for improving “quality of life for a community.” The amenities included: affordable housing, civic facilities, plazas, pedestrian and cycling improvements, recreation, arts and culture, heritage conservation, public art and parkland improvements.
The online survey had 10 amenities to be ranked. Nowhere on the survey was there any infrastructure facility upgrades. With the amount of new development currently being added to the town and future planned development, there should be some thought into upgrading many of these facilities.
I am specifically referring to Gibsons’ wastewater facility on Stewart Road. This facility is not currently able to treat the town’s wastewater, let alone any future human waste. The stench created is becoming a daily occurrence. At times the neighbours of the plant cannot leave their homes, open doors or windows (not good during the recent hot spells) due to the putrid odour. It is a good thing COVID restrictions have limited house guests because nobody wants to invite people to their homes due to the embarrassment.
The Resort Municipality of Whistler had a similar problem prior to the 2010 Olympics. An upgrade to their facility was done and driving past it today one would have to be told what the plant is, there is no odour! The Olympic Village was built beside it and no neighbour has a problem. This is due to the fabulous work done to mitigate the odour. At least one of the persons responsible for Whistler’s success is currently employed by Gibsons, so the expertise is already in-house. The required capital is available from developers.
I submit that “quality of life for a community” must include upgrading this facility. It is time to fix this very stinky problem.
W.S. Barden, Gibsons