PROCESS
OVERVIEW OF STATUS
Our team of architects and engineers are continuing to work with Gibsons Council, as we seek to design a community of residences and a preservation plan for Stonehurst that will elevate and beautify Lower Gibsons. We also continue to welcome public input, which we will share with Council, so as to ensure we have captured as many voices as possible.
One public information meeting was held in October of 2021. The following resolution was passed on June 21, 2022 in which Council gave both OCP amendment and Zoning amendment 1st reading:
- THAT Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 985-29, 2022 be received for first reading;
- AND THAT pursuant to Section 477 of the Local Government Act, Council has considered Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 985-29, 2022 in conjunction with the Town’s Financial Plan;
- AND THAT Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1065-65, 2022 be forwarded to Council for first reading;
- AND THAT prior to second reading, staff work with the developer to reduce the height and massing;
- AND FURTHER THAT prior to second reading, a traffic impact study be received.
We will be arranging another public Information Meeting in coordination with the Town of Gibsons as we move forward through the necessary steps/process. We look forward to sharing our new design proposal, as well as incorporating new guidance from the Council.
A Council hearing on the project is expected in November. Check back here for updates, or register to be kept up to speed on all project news.
SITE PLAN: AS EXISTING
On October 6, 2020, Council received a report, prepared by the Town of Gibsons, Director of Planning Lesley-Anne Staats, and Communications Coordinator Elizabeth Quayle, on the results of the Lot 23 Public Survey which was conducted in summer 2020. Lot 23 is owned by the Town and currently accommodates two gravel public parking lots and existing Inglis Park.
Subsequently, Council decided to proceed to the next step, and authorized the Town to receive development applications for an OCP and Zoning amendment on Lot 23. Council also requested that a Public Information Hearing be held, organized by the owners of Stonehurst, so that the residents may be provided with an opportunity to view and comment on the project as it evolves.
A Development Permit for the Aquifer, to permit excavation for the proposed parking garage, has been obtained by Geopacific Consultants Ltd. This provided comfort that the design process could proceed.
SITE PROPOSAL
- The Town of Gibsons would retain ownership of the lower part of Lot 23, rezoned to “Park”, protected for eternity.
- The design of Inglis Park would provide a path through history linking Stonehurst, via Pioneer Park, to the village and its waterfront.
- Inglis Park would belong to the village, with Stonehurst providing a welcoming presence.
- Pacific Ray is selecting a landscape architect to help guide the Town, its residents, the architect and consultants toward a view of what Inglis Park can ideally become.
- The sketches that you see today illustrate some early thoughts.
- The park would be welcoming, with trees protected, level areas for sharing, and walking trails to add a sense of discovery and wonder.
- The Inglis Park Residences would provide a backdrop to the park, designed as a cluster of smaller buildings with green space between.
- Public parking with level access to Inglis Park and Stonehurst is proposed in the garage below the residences.
- The proposed development would strengthen the five corners at Pioneer Park and Inglis Park, by bringing the historic wharf, waterfront, village and Stonehurst itself, old and beloved, closer together.
- Pacific Ray and its design team look forward to working with the Town and its residents to make the Town’s Inglis Park and the proposed Stonehurst development the heart of our seaside village.
PARKING STUDY
Our design proposal for parking is perfectly in line with the mandated 1.5 stalls per residence.
