Gibsons councillors unanimously voted to pass third reading of the zoning amendment bylaw to allow the Eagleview Heights development to go forward, but they did so without Mayor Wayne Rowe, who recused himself over a possible conflict of interest.
The possible conflict was initially raised by deputy mayor Silas White at a May 9 public hearing. He said a resident had questioned Rowe’s participation since he lives near the proposed development.
At the council meeting on May 22, when the rezoning was brought before council for third reading, Rowe said: “I have sought legal advice but I do not yet have an opinion from the law firm, so in order to continue to protect the process, I will have to recuse myself once again from this.”
The project would see 87 units built in three sections, with duplexes on Eaglecrest Drive, two rows of five- or six-unit buildings and another similar block of units. The property needs to be changed from the current Single Family Residential Zone 1 to Cluster Residential Zone 2.
Councillors did not seek any inquires from the public before voting due to what White called an “awkward situation” of gaps between the public hearing, third reading and adoption. Coun. Charlene SanJenko noted that third reading and adoption tend to take place at the same time. “Until that final adoption is decided on, there is to be no further input put forward to council,” said SanJenko.
Coun. Stafford Lumley said he was happy the developer was able to make the project work without requiring amendments to the Official Community Plan, and also acknowledged the public’s concern over increased density. “I can appreciate some of the concerns of some of the residents who are local, but these parcels of land with single-family homes in small communities, it’s just not happening, it just can’t happen,” he said, noting the affordability crisis and demands on infrastructure.
At the same meeting, Rowe also recused himself from discussions around the bylaw and Official Community Plan amendments for a development on Lot 13 on Venture Way. “I have to recuse myself because I have a conflict in that I provided legal services for the owner of that property,” he said before leaving the meeting.
Councillors voted for the amendments to proceed to second reading and that a public hearing be scheduled for 2 p.m. on June 5 at council chambers. Staff recommended council endorse an affordable housing contribution to ensure the development’s 39 apartments remain market-rental units for a 30-year term.
