By Angela MacKenzie - Staff Reporter

The Boathouse Restaurant development in Rocky Point Park passed a final hurdle, when Port Moody council voted 4-3 Tuesday to approve a development permit for the project.

But council unanimously passed a recommendation to create a working group to get direct feedback from the boating community on reconfiguring the boat parking area.

Couns. Diana Dilworth, Mike Clay and Shannon Watkins opposed the permit.

Watkins said there are too many unresolved issues to go ahead with the development.

Clay said his primary reason for voting against the permit was the size of the restaurant, particularly its height and the impact on views.

Dilworth said a traffic impact study for the area should be completed before the permit is granted, and that she still has concerns over the size of the restaurant and the number of sustainable design principles included in the project.

But she's confident a compromise will be reached on boat-trailer parking.

Coun. Karen Rockwell censured comments made during the public input period by resident Wendy Swalwell, who suggested council "regain control of the city" from staff.

Rockwell said that, as a member of the last council, she was one of the minority that voted against having a restaurant in the park. But she said that since then, she has been part of every decision made on the development.

"There were rather harsh allegations made by a member of the public tonight as to who is actually running the show here," Rockwell said. "It gives me great concern that there is this misinformation that is out there, that council has not been aware of changes to the plan as it has unfolded over the past three years, and I can say unequivocally that I have been part of every discussion with regards to siting of this restaurant as a member of this council."

Coun. Meghan Lahti joined Rockwell in reproaching the comments made that council needs to regain control of the city.

"I think it's outrageous for a member of the public to suggest that our staff is, in any way, hiding something from us, and I also think it is outrageous to suggest that council is not being kept in the loop when it comes to issues," she said.

Lahti said the parking issues are not relevant to the development permit approval and that process on the development has been followed.

"It has exceeded any reasonable person's expectations regarding open, transparent process as well as informing and involving the community on the issue."

Several speakers appeared before council to voice their support of the restaurant, including former councillor Cynthia van Ginkel.

Van Ginkel said planning for the restaurant has been going on for "years and years" and included in the city's strategic plan.

She said the city would be irresponsible if it opened itself up to a potential lawsuit by going back on a signed deal.

"I just don't feel that an under-used, vast concrete expanse is a fair use of our waterfront, and there is a huge parking lot just a couple of metres away that is not well-used on the weekends," van Ginkel said.

"When I was on council, it was clear that there was very strong support for the restaurant.

"People were saying things like, 'It couldn't be fast enough,' 'I want to eat there tomorrow,' 'Build it.'"

published on 07/14/2006