Strategic Priority 2
Liveability
GOAL 3
Enhance transportation options.
3.1 Work with the SCRD and BC Transit on establishing a new BC Transit route connecting Upper and Lower Gibsons.
To be considered as part of the Transportation Network Plan currently in development
Planned
3.2 Update Active Transportation Network to plan for expanded safe routes and infrastructure to support diverse ages and users.
Urban Systems working on this. Two rounds of public and stakeholder engagement completed, and working to finalize routes now. Stakeholders meeting and round 3 engagement scheduled for January.
In Progress
3.3 Support establishment of a passenger ferry to support workforce and tourism.
Town is working with Gibsons landing Harbour Authority and Greenline Ferries to establish a permanent Charge Barge in the harbour that will power future fully electric vessels.
In Progress
3.4 Review and expand Electric Vehicle and E-bike charging station network.
Staff have negotiated an agreement with BC Hydro for an EV charging station at the GACC parking lot, which Council supported. It is anticipated that BC Hydro will have the charging stations installed by Q2 2025.
In Progress
3.5 Advocate for BC Ferries service expansion and consideration of resident priority loading.
Attended 2 annual meetings with BCF senior staff, including the CEO last month. BCF has many challenges (staffing, financial, capital, etc), so it is definitely difficult to request improvements.
In Progress
3.6 Advocate for MOTI Alternate Route and Highway 101 Active Transportation.
The Alternate Route has gone quiet. Continuing to raise it with MOTI. Great progress in getting MOTI here to consider Hwy 101 improvements at School Rd and outside Gibsons.
In Progress
GOAL 4
Strive for social equity in Town governance, planning, procurement and operations.
4.1 Entrench sustainable procurement into the Town’s procurement process, with measurable community benefits communicated to the community and active participation in the BC Social Procurement Initiative.
Policy 1.16 was updated in October 2022 to provide environmental, social and cultural principles to be applied to procurement. Staff participation in upcoming BCSPI training workshops will further support integration into Town procurement. Future policy revisions may be considered to reflect specific components of these principles that can be measured and tracked.
In Progress
4.2 Recognition of the importance of reconciliation, culture and history of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw through the art that already exists in the community, with a vision to encourage and incorporate additional elements of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh art with consent and assistance of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and artists.
Squamish Nation portion of Art Path on hold (partnership with GPAG). Tourist Information Centre in progress. Possible inclusion in Persephone project?
Planned
4.3 Meaningful engagement, employment opportunities and outcomes for Indigenous partners in project implementation and learning.
Options are being explored.
Planned
4.4 Continue to expand the Everybody Deserves a Home Gibsons program to meet homelessness needs, including by maintaining a provincially funded outreach position.
In partnership with BC Housing, the Town funds a Homeless Outreach Coordinator position.
In Progress
4.5 Collaborate regionally on the Poverty Reduction Plan and associated Social Planning.
The Town supported a regional funding application which was approved by UBCM. The Community Resources Centre, based in Sechelt, is conducting the work proposed on behalf of local governments on the Coast.
In Progress
4.6 Partner with non-profits, School District 46, Capilano University, the SCRD, and the provincial government to expand childcare spaces and workforce in the Gibsons area, including by participating on the Sunshine Coast Joint Childcare Council.
The Town has renewed its Lease agreement with the Huckleberry Child care Society to continue providing child care support services in the Arts Building. Additionally, the Town is working with province and with the SC Afffordable Housing Sociaty to build additional child care spaces at 571 Shaw Road site.
In Progress
4.7 Engage Gibsons youth through supporting and empowering the Youth Representatives on Council.
Great success of program in regular attendance, engagement, success of Free Stdent Transit and advocacy provincially. Showcase of program at AVICC.
In Progress
4.8 Embrace the Town’s Social Equity lens in all our operations, including offering training to assist staff in supporting residents in mental health and addictions.
In November 2023, several staff participated in the regional “Mental Health First Aid” training. In addition, for the past two years, the Town has participated in the “Not Myself Today” program which raises awareness of mental health in general and provides staff tools to help improve their own mental health and be better equipped if encountering someone with a potential mental health issue in the workplace.
Staff coordinated and celebrated the third annual Mental Health Week with a shared focus on National Safety and Health Week. The objective of this campaign, specifically related to Mental Health, is to reduce the stigma so often related to mental health, build resiliency and educate staff. The week consisted of a variety of initiatives with this year’s campaign theme being “compassion”.
In Progress
4.9 Help to complete the regional Accessibility Plan as mandated by the provincial government.
Planner assigned to attend meetings and support Plan as needed. First meeting with Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee not yet scheduled.
In Progress
GOAL 5
Work toward an attractive, ecologically healthy and economically thriving Harbour.
5.1 Collaborate with the Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority on Harbour enhancement.
The Town is working closely with the Harbour Authority and Small Craft Harbours on upgrades to the wharf approach, improvements to water and sewer services and considering installing a charge barge to provide electrical charging to future electric boats.
In Progress
5.2 Collaborate with Marine Education Centre on the Healthy Harbour Project and actively participate in the Átl’ka7tsem Howe Sound Community Forums.
The BlueAct Marine Society (formerly NSMEC) and the Town signed the Services Agreement for 2024-2027. Town staff have begun the planning process with the Conservation Manager from BlueAct for the term of the agreement.
Staff have attended the first meeting of the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Roundtable.
In Progress
5.3 Update Recreational Water Lease Bylaw.
Extending harbour monitoring program with Marine Education Centre. Bylaw changes in late 2024.
In Progress
5.4 Implement the Gibsons Foreshore and Seawalk Improvements Conceptual Design.
The Town was awarded two million dollars to complete the project improvements to the foreshore between Armours Beach and the Gibsons wharf. The most critical section of foreshore has been identified and design is in progress. Due to permitting requirements, construction is expected later in 2025
In Progress
5.5 Complete upgrades at the “Five Corners” area for a pedestrian-focused plaza space.
Design work is in progress, applications for archeological assessment permits submitted in 2023. Town continues to pursue additional grants to complete the project.
In Progress
5.6 Develop and implement a cohesive wayfinding signage plan.
Council approved a budget amount to upgrade Wayfinding signage in and around Gibsons. The work is expected to be completed later in 2024.
In Progress
5.7 Preserve and return The Persephone to the Harbour Area for public display.
Work in underway to identify a site to display the historic vessel, while fundraising for the restoration and upgrade continue.
In Progress
5.8 Pursue any opportunities to support the preservation and restoration of Stonehurst and Molly’s Reach.
Discussions with the current owners of Stonehurst are on-going.
In Progress
5.9 Pursue opportunities for public art.
Public Art Path is complete, except for Squamish Nation portion.
In Progress
