The Gibsons Ratepayers & Residents Association was formed in 2022 to advocate for sustainable growth and a clear vision for the development of the town of Gibsons.

At our first meeting we adopted these principals:

Vision:  We will advocate for this beautiful town to retain its seaside village character and ensure that growth does not exceed the town’s sustainable carrying capacity.

How to achieve the vision:

Mission:  We will inspire and encourage residents, ratepayers and neighbourhood groups in Gibsons to engage in community issues that impact the social, environmental and economic wellbeing of our current and future residents of our town

Use the collective expertise of our members to take on the challenges of:

1. Purpose built affordable housing
2. Right sizing ToG Government (taxes and rates)
3. Managing growth sustainably

Discussion Points

Affordable housing is the foundation of a vibrant community.  It enables residents to live in Gibsons with the income from working in Gibsons.  Retired people need workers to service their health, food, transportation, etc.  needs. 

Affordability is impacted by realty taxes imposed by local governments.  Landlords inevitably need to pass on the cost of local government taxes to those who rent. Higher taxes imposes hardship on seniors who own their homes and are on fixed incomes.  High taxes and real estate prices has the effect of driving out the long-time residents – who move to a less expensive part of Canada.  Many of these residents are the volunteers who’ve made Gibsons great. 

Is the Town of Gibsons government trying to do too much?  Trying to be all things to all people no matter the cost?  Is our government too big for a town of 5,000?  It needs to be examined and Right Sized. 

Sustainable growth is a reasonable goal and in Gibsons there really is no choice – we have limited water resources and a limited land area.  4 Square Miles.  We cannot continue to expand without reference to “carrying capacity”.  There is a limit.  Knowing the carrying capacity should then drive all land use decisions.  Fortunately there is a capacity model developed by ratepayer Al Beaver to provide the information needed to guide us. The Town should either adopt this model or propose their own.

OCP and Zoning need to be amended to adhere to the maximum carrying capacity available.  Slow down and breathe.  Gibsons has a limited supply of developable land and developers who want to build here should contribute fairly to the cost of infrastructure and operations in the Town.