Gospel Rock Sustainability Strategy

A neighbourhood plan is underway in Gibsons for the area known as Gospel Rock. The plan proposes a mix of land uses including single-family residential, multi-family residential, commercial and open space. Prior to the completion of detailed design and policy development, the Town will examine the feasibility of various sustainability-related initiatives in order to provide strong and realistic policy direction and guidelines for future development proponents. The study will examine the potential to increase energy, water and material efficiency (compared with conventional practice) within the proposed neighbourhood and effectively treat stormwater on physically challenging terrain such as steep grades and thin soils. The project will examine the potential for reducing water consumption through efficient plumbing fixtures and re-use of rainwater for landscape irrigation. The study will include an examination of the potential of geoexhange systems at both a district scale and an individual building scale. The potential of both ocean-source and ground-sources earth energy will be examined as will the potential for a sewer heat recovery system. The project will also examine a range of transportation demand management techniques to reduce single-occupant vehicle travel and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and common air contaminants. The results of this study will inform the municipality and will become part of the development of the Gospel Rock Neighbourhood Plan.