For more than seven years, Gabriola residents have watched the Silva Bay waterfront wait for redevelopment. Many people would like to see the area revitalized. At the same time, there has been considerable uncertainty about what Silva Bay is actually proposing, why construction has not begun, and what our dispute with Islands Trust has been about.
We created this website so Gabriola residents can see the plans, understand what has prevented the redevelopment from moving forward, and consider the available solutions based on the facts.
THE PROPOSAL
What Silva Bay is actually proposing
Proposed Silva Bay redevelopment: 2 storeys | 16-room hotel | general store | approximately 80-seat restaurant
Silva Bay is not proposing a high-rise luxury resort that is out of scale with Gabriola.
Our current plan is for a two-storey waterfront development that includes a 16-room hotel, a general store and an approximately 80-seat restaurant, together with the existing marina and associated waterfront activities.
The objective is to restore Silva Bay as a vibrant waterfront destination for Gabriola residents, boaters and visitors while respecting the scale, environment and character of the Island.
THE OBSTACLE
Why hasn't the redevelopment happened?
The principal obstacle has been water.
For decades, the Silva Bay waterfront was supplied by an existing well located on a separate upland parcel. That parcel is now zoned residential.
Silva Bay took the position that the historical use of the well to supply the waterfront operation was a lawful non-conforming use that could continue despite the later zoning restriction.
Islands Trust disagreed.
The dispute went to the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Silva Bay lost the case and is appealing that decision.
But the appeal is not the only possible way forward.
The GEOGRAPHY
Understanding the layout
Two properties, connected by one water system.
A simplified illustration of the waterfront property, the marina, the off-site well parcel and the general direction of the existing water connection between them.
WATER
The water issue
Without access to a viable water source, the proposed redevelopment cannot realistically proceed.
Alternatives such as desalination or importing water would make the project economically unfeasible. If no workable water solution can be found, the likely result is that the redevelopment will not proceed.
Silva Bay is therefore seeking a zoning solution that would permit the existing off-site well to supply the development in a measured, professionally monitored and environmentally responsible manner.
Professional testing indicates that the well can provide the water required for the proposed development. The project also contemplates substantial water storage, including a proposed 40,000-gallon cistern, to help manage demand.
The proposal is not for unrestricted groundwater extraction. It is for a regulated solution intended to allow the redevelopment to proceed without adversely affecting neighbouring residents or Gabriola’s groundwater resources.
ISLANDS TRUST
Respecting Gabriola and the role of Islands Trust
We recognize and respect Islands Trust’s mandate to preserve the unique character and environment of the Gulf Islands.
We also believe those objectives can coexist with thoughtful, appropriately scaled redevelopment of an established commercial waterfront area such as Silva Bay.
Islands Trust understood during the litigation that access to the off-site well was fundamental to the economic viability of the redevelopment. It nevertheless adopted an interpretation of the zoning framework that differed from ours, and the Court accepted that position.
We are appealing that decision. At the same time, we would prefer to work constructively with Islands Trust, the Gabriola community and future trustees to determine whether a carefully regulated zoning solution can allow Silva Bay to move forward.
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW
Respecting Gabriola and the role of Islands Trust
With the Islands Trust election approaching, Gabriola residents have an opportunity to ask every trustee candidate where they stand on the future of Silva Bay. We encourage residents to learn the facts, consider the proposed zoning solution, and ask candidates whether they would support it if professional groundwater evidence demonstrates that the well can be used responsibly.
Explore the Issues
The Development
See the actual size, uses and character of the proposed Silva Bay redevelopment.
The Dispute with Islands Trust
Understand why the use of Silva Bay’s longstanding off-site well became a legal dispute, what the Court decided and why Silva Bay is appealing.
The Water Issue
Learn why access to a viable water source is essential to the redevelopment, what testing has been conducted, and how the well could be used responsibly.
The Proposed Zoning Solution
See the alternative solution Silva Bay is asking Islands Trust to consider and the safeguards that could accompany it.
What Happens If No Solution Is Found?
Understand why desalination and imported water are not economically viable and what that means for the future of Silva Bay.
