Opponents to his housing project at the Tsawwassen Golf and Country Club have sunk to a new low, says local businessman Ron Toigo.

Following a public hearing Tuesday at municipal hall, where residents had a chance to speak on proposed revisions to the Tsawwassen Springs development, a clearly disheartened Toigo said it's disappointing the integrity of Delta council members was questioned.

Several people who spoke in opposition claimed there was an appearance of a conflict of interest by councillors who accepted financial contributions from Toigo in the 2008 municipal election.

"It's a shame ... that's where they gravitate to every time, to find some lowest common denominator," Toigo told the Optimist.

"I have great respect for this council, more than any other level of politician. They're accountable, they're in the community and they have more trouble raising funds than anybody. I've donated to (past councillors) Vicki Huntington, I've donated Krista Engelland, Guy Gentner."

Ian Robertson was the first speaker to raise the question followed by several others.

Noting the Local Government Election Task Force will soon give its recommendations to the provincial government, Peter Duffey said, "I am sure that council will recognize the need to remove any perception that they're influenced by large campaign contributions."

Richard Kunz told politicians the community would question their credibility due to the optics of the donations.

In the last election, Toigo's companies, Shato Holdings Ltd., Langley Regional Mall Corp. and Italian Oven Restaurant, donated a combined $3,000 to Bruce McDonald and George Hawksworth, who ran together, as well as the same amount to the slate of Mayor Lois Jackson, Robert Campbell and Scott Hamilton. Heather King received $1,500. Anne Peterson was the only elected official not to receive a contribution from him.

The 2008 election occurred after Toigo received approval for the project. He said there were no changes contemplated at that time.

King left the council table when it was time to vote Tuesday, noting there may be a perceived conflict.

Campbell, frustrated by King's move, said, "I think it's deplorable people are raising this as an issue to block amendments to this process."

Referring to TriDelta, Campbell, who was acting mayor in Jackson's absence, said it seemed strange that it was fine for many of the opponents who were part of the electors' group to accept Toigo's money when it helped them get their candidates (Jackson at the time) onto council.

"It is well settled law in this province ... it is not a conflict. The Elections Act and the Local Government Act clearly allow this to happen and there is no conflict of interest in accepting campaign donations from anyone and then voting on something they're associated with later, as long as the campaign information is properly declared," insisted Campbell, who is a lawyer.

Bordered by Highway 17 and 52nd Street, the original Tsawwassen Springs plan included 194 townhomes and 243 condos. The project also included other amenities including a lengthened golf course.

On Tuesday, council voted unanimously in favour of giving the proposed changes conditional approval, meaning only a final vote is needed.

The most notable change will see an increase of 53 condos. Noting the footprint of the buildings will remain exactly the same, Toigo said larger condos would be divided into smaller units, thus making it more affordable for those looking to downsize. A major reason behind the move is the controversial harmonized sales tax will apply to expensive new homes.

Saying she was concerned about the precedent it would set, Sylvia Bishop told council, "I don't think it's your job to be a bailout czar."

Toigo objected to the remark, telling council all he's doing is building an even better project for residents.

Peterson later noted having smaller units addressed her own original concerns the larger condos would only cater to more affluent buyers.

Several residents spoke in favour of the changes, although they were outnumbered by opponents that were also concerned about parking and traffic.

However, it was the suggestion that councillors who accepted campaign contributions may be in a perceived conflict that turned the debate heated. One resident said she was embarrassed the way council conducts its business.

McDonald told the audience he had already spoken to Delta's lawyer and it was made clear there's no conflict if contributions during a campaign are declared and made public.

Noting changes were also made to the large Delsom Estates housing development in North Delta, McDonald said nothing "sneaky" was taking place.

"I think that it's very frustrating that people want, rather than focus on the issue, change that argument to a 'you don't really care' or 'you're corrupt.' I find that very offensive," he said.

Saying King walking away from the vote simply showed her inexperience, Toigo told the Optimist, "We donate to every charity that's in this community, you name it. If it's good for the community, we're there to support it and always have been ... That same group of usual suspects are not any benefit for the community, whether it be the hospital foundation, hospice foundation, you name it."

Several of Toigo's partners in the Tsawwassen Springs project, including Edmonton Oilers coach Pat Quinn, attended Tuesday's public hearing.