The proposal to develop the Southlands took another step forward Friday morning.
The Metro Vancouver regional planning and agriculture committee approved sending Delta’s application to amend the regional growth strategy (RGS) for the proposed development to the next stage.
However, the proposal still has to clear several hurdles.
Now that it has cleared the committee, the Metro Vancouver board will consider the amendment later this month. If the board gives the RGS amendment preliminary approval, it will then be subject to a public hearing, likely in late April, before going back to the board for final approval.
Century Group is proposing to build 950 housing units on 20 per cent of the 214-hectare (537-acre) Tsawwassen property in an area that reportedly has the poorest soil quality.
The remaining 80 per cent would be given to Delta, much of it for farming.
The Southlands is zoned agricultural and also designated agricultural under the OCP and area plan, as well as the Metro Vancouver growth strategy.
Any change in regional designation, which would require a two-thirds weighted vote by the board of directors, would also change the regional urban containment boundary, aimed at containing residential development within a defined footprint.
Before making their decision, Delta staff briefly outlined the amendment application. The committee also heard from Century Group president Sean Hodgins, as well as several residents who are opposed to the proposed development.
“It’s been a long haul to get here. Eight years of working very hard,” Hodgins said. “I want to give you my commitment to see this through to the end.”
He also told the committee that approving the proposed amendment would “put Metro Vancouver on the map for what it can do for agriculture.”
Those who spoke against the proposal cited various concerns including a lack of certainty around the protection of environmentally sensitive areas, the impact of truck traffic from construction on residents, and the precedent set by amending the RGS and altering the urban containment boundary.
Richmond Coun. Harold Steves was the only committee member to oppose sending the application to the board.
He questioned whether the $9 million commitment from Century Group to improve soil conditions on the 80 per cent being transferred to Delta would be enough.
Delta chief administrative officer George Harvie said staff is “very confident” the $9 million is enough to improve irrigation and the municipality would not be looking for additional funds from Metro Vancouver or taxpayers.
Steves also said the soil was in better condition for farming in the past and has been left to deteriorate.
“We should not reward the land owner who allowed the land to deteriortate.”
The next Metro Vancouver board meeting is scheduled for March 28 at 9 a.m.
