After sitting on the issue for more than half a year, City of Powell River council is poised to consider once again bylaw changes to the waterfront lot known as the old arena site.
Last year, council passed the first two readings of amendments to the official community plan and zoning bylaws that would change a portion of the property to mixed use, opening the doors for development. It held a public hearing in June, which extended over two nights because of the number of people who wished to speak about the issue. Instead of making a decision after the public hearing, council decided to embark on more public consultation, which ended up being an open house. It wanted yet more public consultation and asked staff to reach out to the community by setting up information tables at malls, but that never happened.
Powell River Regional Economic Development Society (PRREDS) has urged council to make a decision. It would like to see the amendments passed. If council decides to take that path, the next step would be to request development proposals.
When the public has an opportunity to speak about the issue, an overwhelming number of people support keeping the parcel as a park.
People have another opportunity to inform council about their opinions on the issue during a second public hearing scheduled for 7 pm on Wednesday, February 16. Since council has had significant input since the last public hearing, it must hold another one before it can vote on the bylaw amendments.
The purpose of a public hearing is to hear from the public. Council’s role is to listen. Councillors do not debate or challenge the comments, but they may ask questions about what they hear.
Residents can also share their information and thoughts through a letter or email that will be entered into the official record of the hearing. However, an appearance in person does tend to “carry more weight” than a written submission.
After the public hearing has concluded, no further public input may be heard. It will then be council’s turn to discuss the issue and, finally, reach a decision.
