The participants represented a cross section of the community - retired and young, long term residents and newcomers. Throughout the evening, a high level of interest, enthusiasm and concern about the Gibbins Road area and its future were evident. In groups of 12 - 15, residents discussed what was most important to them about their neighbourhood. Numerous qualities came forth. At the end of the meeting, participants voted on their top three choices.
Residents enjoy the rural feeling and natural setting offered by the area.
Specifically they noted how important the informal trails and walkways are - particularly along the Cowichan River and the abandoned CPR rail line. The mix of houses with nearby fields and country-side was highlighted with a total of 28 votes. The fact that the area is predominantly single-family in character was also noted positively. In third with 15 votes were all the items that together describe a strong sense of community . The list included words such as quiet, friendly, peaceful, neighbourhood in which people shared similar values.