Editor:
We are writing on behalf of the residents of Elphinstone who have expressed grave concerns about the road access to the proposed Gospel Rock Development within the Town of Gibsons. At present the only access to this large development is via Chaster and Pratt in the SCRD electoral area of Elphinstone.
The SCRD has requested that the Town of Gibsons build access to Gospel Rock before development permits are issued, and we feel that this should be through the Town directly. The Town has responded negatively. We like our semi-rural community, with our school, farms, and family neighbourhoods. And Elphinstone voted in the past to remain part of the SCRD.
The existing proposal would create serious problems for the residents of Pratt and Chaster roads as well as the general area, with a mass of construction traffic initially, followed by over a thousand vehicles of residents upon completion. And this is only for the Block 7 development currently proposed. There are other large properties that would likely follow this development in the Gospel Rock Neighbourhood Plan. Pratt Road already needs traffic calming devices for the safety of residents and students.
Road maintenance is the responsibility of the province in our area, so the Town would not pay for any required maintenance or improvements on Chaster or Pratt. Though there has been discussion of an alternative route, we have no guarantee that a second route will ever be put in as the Town suggests.
We have had two community meetings on this issue with close to 100 residents attending each meeting and voicing serious concerns. We also have a petition with over 300 signatures stating our opposition.
We hope everyone will attend the Wednesday, May 23, 7 p.m. public hearing at the Gibsons Legion. If you wish to comment at the hearing or send a letter, please do it now as the Town is now taking names on their list.
Pat Ridgway, on behalf of the Elphinstone Traffic Group
