Tree-falling has started on Gospel Rock development site

Developer wants to clear trees from development areas of the Gospel Rock Block 7 property before start of bird-nesting season 

(By News Desk)

Tree falling has started at the site of the planned development on Gospel Rock. The developer wants to clear trees at the development areas on the property before bird nesting season.

“It’s devastating, it is heartbreaking,” said Gibsons resident Loretta Macklam upon hearing that trees are being cut and land is being cleared for development at Gospel Rock. She is the founder of the For The Love of Gospel Rock society and campaigned for Gospel Rock to be “the Stanley Park of Gibsons.”

“I was born and raised here, Gospel Rock has always been part of my life,” she said. ‘We have been so fortunate to have lived here when we did. Our kids will no longer be able to enjoy this beautiful piece of nature.”

The developer is designating parts of Block 7 as nature areas and intends to build 360 homes on the site. The clearing is in preparation for planned roads and one building site (brown areas on the map below.)

Buffer zones will be retained around all development permit areas and town staff is working closely with the developer to install stormwater management and erosion and sediment control measures, a statement from the Town of Gibsons says.

“It’s really hard to see this go. I’can’t go up there to watch,” said Pat Ridgway, long-time campaigner to keep Block 7 a nature area. The  rock and surrounding area have been the subject of many of her paintings. “We have fought development on Gospel Rock long and hard, this is so frustrating.”

Something may happen yet, Ridgway believes. “We need mass prayer. We have more power than we realize to shift reality. We need to help Mother Earth here.”

“Hopefully something good will come of this,” Macklam said. “I still like to believe in miracles. We need prayer.”

The developer intends to build 360 homes on the site: in Phase One, 60 single family homes and 50 apartments will be constructed, including ten market-rental units. In Phase Two, 50 town houses and 50 apartments will be built, including ten market-rental units. Phase Three will see the construction of another 50 townhouses and 50 apartments, including ten market-rental units, and Phase Four includes another 50 townhouses. A small inn and a micro-brewery have been mentioned as well.