White Rock council's vision and intent for development in the city was made more clear Monday, when it passed motions regarding the town centre and Everall Street.

The first motion states council will revisit the Town Centre Development Permit guidelines to include a maximum height of 135 feet and a maximum density of 2.75 (floor-to-space ratio), and consider the possibility of density transfers within the guidelines.

Mayor Catherine Ferguson and Coun. Mary-Wade Anderson were opposed.

"I'm not going to support the motion as it stands," Ferguson said. "I think it's very important we understand the options."

Ferguson suggested the item go to a planning session, saying council should have a clear understanding of the ramifications of such a decision.

Coun. Mary-Wade Anderson agreed, saying further consideration on the topic was needed.

"I'm not opposed to this at all, but I do want to see some due diligence."

Coun. Lynne Sinclair, however, said the item was already discussed at a July planning meeting.

"I feel any further delay is making us look indecisive," she said. "What I'm very interested to see is some leadership on council. We'll have clarity on this issue. This gives (the public) a sense of direction of where we're coming from.

"Passing this tonight doesn't prevent us from having future discussion."

Coun. Helen Fathers, who brought forward both motions, later told Peace Arch News the first was made in response to public outcry over building height in the city.

"What I heard when I was running (for election) was people didn't want any of the Bosa-style highrises in White Rock. What I heard very clearly were people were very upset – they wanted it to stay at 12 storeys," she said Tuesday. "I think it's a very clear vision for the city, a very clear vision for the residents."

The motion will now go to a public meeting, Fathers added.

Approval of the second motion means a new Everall Neighbourhood Development Permit Area bordered by Oxford Street, North Bluff Avenue, Vidal Street and Thrift Avenue will be created in the Official Community Plan. A neighbourhood planning session will be held for residents of the neighbourhood to discuss density and height.

Fathers said the motion addresses past developments in the area and their impact on trees.

"There's been so much negativity in that area, and it's a hillside area, which means the trees are anchoring the hillside," she said. "There's a lot of devastation."