Editor:
The following letter was addressed to Gibsons mayor and council and shared with Coast Reporter. Re. Zoning amendment bylaw No. 1065-70, 2023.
Recognising the benefits of working on teams as I did throughout my 35-year career, I was heartened when Silas White, our mayor, chaired an open meeting last week to give people chance to discuss ideas and concerns re. property development in our community. l was impressed that everyone who wished to had a say, and that comments were accepted by Mr. White without comment or judgement. I felt valued as a homeowner and a citizen.
Not long after this meeting, I was surprised to receive notice that a date is set for first reading of a proposal of development of property in my area contrary to many of the ideas and suggestions put forward at the meeting.
In fact, the proposal is so blatantly contrary to the expressed wishes of many, it shows that the developers and those who facilitated the proposal have little appreciation of the community aims and values.
North Fletcher is one street which will ultimately be affected if the proposal goes forward. Because of the location and the view, the owners of the properties on this street and streets nearby have gone to considerable expense to upgrade, improve and rebuild their homes and maintain their gardens.
If this development is approved at the forthcoming meeting, a precedent is set. Anyone can propose money making schemes to prey on our community and its citizens. Surely councillors and town staff can see that the community as a whole can only benefit by encouraging upgrades and discouraging ruthless development proposals.
Pamela Proctor, Gibsons
