Gambier trustees approve shoreline variance despite staff recommendation
The committee approved a variance for a replacement dwelling on Grove Road after staff recommended denial, citing shoreline policies.
The Gambier Firestarter · Governance · 2026-07-21 · updated 2026-10-13 · Gambier Island
The Gambier Island Local Trust Committee approved a variance for a replacement dwelling and attached deck on Grove Road, allowing the project to proceed despite staff’s recommendation to deny the application.[1]
Staff said the dwelling would be about 4.8 metres from the natural boundary of the sea, with the deck between 1.6 and 2.8 metres away; the required setback is 15 metres.[1] Staff said the work meant the building was considered a new dwelling and that the proposal was inconsistent with official community plan policies on shoreline protection, coastal processes and rural coastal character.[1]
The applicant said the project followed earlier approvals and building permits, and that construction work expanded after engineers identified structural requirements. The applicant also said the building’s footprint had been reduced and presented letters supporting the project.[2]
Trustee Kate Louise Stamford said the staff report reflected the official community plan and land-use bylaws, but cited the small lot and the home’s location in explaining her support for the variance. Trustee Joe Bernardo seconded the motion, and the committee approved it.[2]
The committee also amended draft Bylaw No. 163, including changes to references to Gambier Island/Cha7elkwnech and to language about Indigenous interests, then gave the bylaw first reading.[1]
Sources
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Gambier LTC regular meeting minutes, July 21, 2026 (draft)
Denial of the Development Variance Permit is recommended as the proposal is not consistent with the intent of Official Community Plan policies related to shoreline setback as detailed in the staff report.
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Transcript of the meeting recording (260721B)
I move that the local trust committee approve the application
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