Editor:
I am deeply concerned about the possible sale of the municipal land on School Road, adjacent to the Stonehurst house.
In 2020, a survey was conducted, the survey contained misleading assumptions and resulted in 64 per cent of respondents indicating that the Town should consider selling the property. Since revealing the actual proposal, a Coast Reporter survey revealed 81 per cent of respondents were against selling the property.
The proposed development will include two condo buildings in the heart of Gibsons with three underground garage entrances on the steepest part of School Road, providing 16 small underground parking spots replacing 20 large and highly utilized aboveground parking spaces. The proposed development is not in keeping with the town’s Harbour Plan and will not provide adequate parking spaces for visitors, staff, or patrons.
Selling the property is not needed to balance the budget. The Town of Gibsons will receive $2.2 million from the provincial budget surplus, and extra revenues will come from the condos to be built along Gibsons Way.
Holding this land will provide Gibsons with flexibility and options to provide public development that benefits the residents and public needs in the future. Selling public land to assist a developer’s aspirations is short sighted and poor planning.
It is very concerning to think that five council members would be making this decision without transparent public consultation and input. Council must be compelled to make their decision based on the interest of the entire community, not just a few individuals. I strongly urge council to conduct a new public survey with accurate information and consider the opinions of the majority of Gibsons residents.
Jacquie Shelemey, Gibsons
