A more modest vision for development at Ambleside's waterfront breezed through first reading at Monday's West Vancouver council meeting.
The district's prized strip of land, located just below Bellevue Avenue between 13th and 18th Streets, was the subject of a spirited debate in April when council ultimately moved to abandon proposed guidelines after an outcry from a contingent of residents concerned about large-scale development.
A restaurant on the waterfront will be restricted to 3,000 square feet under the new plan, half the size of the original proposal. The new plan also foregoes recreation buildings, a wine bar, and food and beverage concessions, although food trucks will be permitted. Some sort of liquor-primary establishment might also be possible through the Hollyburn Sailing Club, according to director of planning Bob Sokol.
Boat rentals will also be allowed and the Navvy Jack house is slated to be retained.
The proposal received support from former councillor Rod Day, who had returned to council chambers in April to advocate for cottage-style development on the waterfront.
"I'm very optimistic about the future of Ambleside if we continue in this healthy path we're on," Day said.
Arts and culture facilities on the waterfront will be restricted to the four existing centres under the new plan.
Council also accepted an amendment that would allow a few converted garages to serve as art spaces, such as pottery studios.
