Editor:
My first view of Gibsons was flying over it in a floatplane. What a pretty sight it was with houses nestled on a hillside going down to a little harbour with an assortment of boats. Little did I know that a few years later I would be glad to call Gibsons home!
Lower Gibsons has the feel and charm of a small town with the stores and cafes, marinas, events at the park and the streets, people out for a stroll or sitting on a bench taking in the view. It is basically the heart of our community. We have a jewel here. I know development will happen, but it should be done with openness and community input and approval from day one. You should always be able to walk along the shore without obstructions in any direction.
Recently we visited many small coastal communities that had warm and inviting atmospheres. You could see that the waterfront had been embraced and developed tastefully with low buildings, parks, trails, stores, etc. The same should be done here.
Over the years we have attended many meetings about the official community plan and harbour plan. Should all that input not count for anything? Do we really want to give up part of the marina and waterfront for a restaurant? Give away Winn Road? Have a 125-room hotel so high that it will obstruct the views from Lower Gibsons and even some from up the hill? If these things happen, Gibsons will lose its neighbourhood feeling and charm, and that is one thing that persuaded us and many others to move here.
Inge Harrison, Gibsons
