Gambier committee advances Keats shoreline bylaws with amendments
The committee gave second reading to amended bylaws for a shoreline development permit area, while asking staff to assess a proposed exemption for additions to existing buildings.
The Denman Firestarter · Governance · 2024-10-01 · updated 2026-10-03 · Gambier Island
The amended bylaws would establish a shoreline development permit area on Keats Island, and the Gambier Island Local Trust Committee gave second reading to both after approving changes at its Oct. 1 meeting.[1] The committee also asked staff to determine the consequences of a separate motion proposing an exemption for some additions to existing buildings and structures.[1]
The proposed exemption, moved by Trustee Joe Bernardo, would apply to additions between 7.5 metres and 15 metres from the natural boundary of the sea, subject to conditions including a limit of 50 square metres and a requirement that the work be on previously disturbed land.[1] The motion was tabled to the next committee meeting, and the committee asked staff to determine its consequences.[1]
During discussion, staff said the committee could not hear new information after the public hearing and that the proposed amendment might require another public hearing before it could be adopted.[1] The chair deferred further discussion to a future meeting.[1]
The committee approved amendments to Bylaw 153 and a series of amendments to Bylaw 154 before giving both bylaws second reading as amended.[1] Staff’s report said the bylaws seek to protect the natural environment and development from hazardous conditions, and that Squamish Nation had raised concerns about the marine ecosystem and the proposed 7.5-metre setback, recommending 15 metres instead.[2]
Sources
-
Gambier LTC Regular Meeting Minutes — October 1, 2024
that the Gambier Island Local Trust Committee Bylaw No. 153, cited as 'Keats Island Official Community Plan, 2002, Amendment No. 1, 2021', be read a second time, as amended.
link checked · passage found in the document we hold
-
Transcript of the meeting recording (241001B)
The bylaws seek to establish a shoreline development permit area for the purposes of protecting the natural environment, its ecosystems, and biological diversity, and protecting development from hazardous conditions.
link checked · passage found in the document we hold