Delta is partnering with local business associations to try and mitigate the potential impacts of massive malls planned by the Tsawwassen First Nation.

At Monday's Delta council meeting, Mayor Lois Jackson brought forward a motion to have civic staff report back on ways to enhance the commercial areas of Ladner and Tsawwassen to ensure South Delta remains an attractive place for commercial investment while preserving its unique character.

The Ladner Business Association has established a committee to look at the potential impacts of both the South Fraser Perimeter Road and the TFN commercial development. As well, the LBA has teamed up with the Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association to come up with a comprehensive tourism plan and promotion strategy.

Chief Kim Baird said recently the TFN is committed to working with both business associations to minimize any potential impacts on local businesses. She said some informal meetings between the three parties have taken place so far but no formal plan has been outlined.

Coun. Ian Paton voiced his skepticism that anything could be done to help Ladner and Tsawwassen in the face of the massive development.

"I like the motion, but I just hope that we don't spend a whole bunch of money on a big study because unfortunately it is what it is. I don't know how you're going to pull a rabbit out of a hat and do something to suddenly create a vibrant and vitality in Ladner and Tsawwassen when this massive 1.8 million square foot mall is going to go in."

In response, Coun. Bruce McDonald pointed to Langley where a smaller retail sector has managed to co-exist alongside the massive development on 200th Street and the Langley Bypass.

The TFN has partnered with two private development companies, Ivanhoe Cambridge and Property Development Group, to build a pair of malls, Tsawwassen Mills and Tsawwassen Commons.

They are scheduled to open in 2015.

jkerr@delta-optimist.com