Editor:

At its meeting on July 12, Delta council endorsed a Metro Vancouver plan whereby the public will not be consulted regarding the location of a proposed washroom/concession/future restaurant building on municipally-owned land at Centennial Beach.

Metro is planning to construct a combination washroom/concession with provision for a future restaurant -- a single building trying to be all things to all users -- in an area just north of the newly constructed play area.

This location is a considerable distance from the current washroom location and main beach activity area and is adjacent to a sensitive habitat area.

Further, it appears from Metro Vancouver's Centennial Beach Site Concept Plan that this single structure is designed to service the entire beach/park area.

The assertion that public will not be consulted regarding the building location is contained in the council report, Centennial Beach Concept Plan and Washroom/Concession Building Replacement Update, available on Delta's website.

Council endorsed Metro's plan for relocation of the existing washroom/concession building to this new site despite the fact Metro acknowledges the new location is contentious, and that even Delta council members (Scott Hamilton and Robert Campbell) argue is the wrong location.

Council also instructed staff to "enter into discussion regarding modifying the lease to address Metro's concerns with placing the washroom/concession building on municipal land."

In addition to other provisions, Metro wants changes in its lease to "ensure that Metro Vancouver retains the ability to build a destination restaurant at a future date."

Thus it appears Delta council is prepared to enter into a binding lease agreement with Metro to permit future construction of a destination restaurant, a use that is not currently permitted on public use zoned parkland.

Once again, council appears to be following its own agenda without proper public consultation.

In this case, it appears to be willing to allow Metro Vancouver planners to proceed with whatever they decide -- without input from park users or Delta residents.

Kent Warmington