The George waterfront development gets rezoning from Gibsons

One of B.C.'s most famous dockside communities — Gibsons Landing, which served as the set of the classic Canadian TV  series The Beachcombers — could soon be transformed by a new hotel and condo development.

Two and a half years after the waterfront development was first proposed, on Tuesday night the four members of council voted unanimously to amend the current zoning bylaw for the project.

Mayor Wayne Rowe said the issue has divided the town between those who welcome the new investment and those would would rather see the area remain as is.

"It's something where people have had very strong opinions whether for or against, but certainly the submissions were overwhelmingly supportive of it," said Rowe.

The developer of the project has said he wants to start construction by 2016, but the project still has to get environmental, geotechnical and fisheries permits before work can begin.

If built, the waterfront development would feature two mid-rise towers with a 118-room hotel, a conference centre, and 35 luxury condominiums.

Rowe said the development will bring in tax revenues of over $300,000 per year, create many construction jobs and provide the kind of economic stimulus he believes Gibsons needs.

"If anything there was a sigh of relief that at least a decision was made," said Rowe.