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.
On-going.
In Progress
3.4 Review and expand Electric Vehicle and E-bike charging station network.
Preliminary discussions have been had with Sunshine Coast Electric Vehicle Society and BC Hydro about feasibility of Type 2 EV charging station, priority locations identified.
In Progress
3.5 Advocate for BC Ferries service expansion and consideration of resident priority loading.
On-going.
In Progress
3.6 Advocate for MOTI Alternate Route and Highway 101 Active Transportation.
On-going. Most recent correspondence in January of 2024 and follows enagement done at last UBCM Convention.
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.
On-going
In Progress
4.3 Meaningful engagement, employment opportunities and outcomes for Indigenous partners in project implementation and learning.
On-going.
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.
Agreement with BC Housing is in place, as of the summer of 2023. Contracted position in place for Homeless Outreach Coordinator. Marine Room used as homeless hub to support various programs.
In Progress
4.5 Collaborate regionally on the Poverty Reduction Plan and associated Social Planning.
Provincial funding received in 2023. Work on a regional strategy is underway and is led by the Community Resources Centre.
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.
On-going.
In Progress
4.7 Engage Gibsons youth through supporting and empowering the Youth Representatives on Council.
On-going.
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 are currently exploring opportunities to engage employees during the 2024 Mental Heath Week to continue this education process.
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.
Mayor White appointed as Town liaison in 2023 to Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority’s board. Staff in regular contact.
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.
NSMEC will provide Council with the 2023 Healthy Harbour activities report d in Q1 2024 with recommendations for 2024 and beyond. New services agreement is required for 2024-2027.
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.
Town was awarded two million dollars to complete the project improvements to the foreshore between Armours Beach and the Gibsons Wharf. Detail design phase has been initiated. Construction expected later in 2024.
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.
Plan has been developed and a funding request is being considered in the 2024 budget.
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 Stonehurt are on-going.
In Progress
5.9 Pursue opportunities for public art.
On-going.
In Progress
