Delta council last week granted preliminary approval to another proposed development at Tsawwassen Springs.
Civic politicians unanimously approved sending the application to build 60 townhouses, a tennis court and other amenities to a public hearing. Located immediately west of the current development, the 2.55-hectare (6.3-acre) site is in the Agricultural Land Reserve but not actively farmed.
Shato Holdings owner Ron Toigo purchased the property with the intent of taking most of it out of the ALR. The site was owned by another individual when the original Tsawwassen Springs application was put forward almost a decade ago but the owner wasn't interested in selling at the time.
The two- and three-storey townhomes would be a mix of eight types ranging from 1,414 square feet to 1,838 square feet. They would have designs similar to buildings in the adjacent development.
The applicant proposes to contribute $500,000 as part of the compensation for ALR removal. Unlike the original development, which saw a contribution of over $300,000 directed to the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust’s programs, the contribution this time around would be used by Delta for agricultural irrigation and improvement projects.
In addition to the financial contribution, the applicant also proposes that his company’s efforts to reclaim the agricultural capability of another property in Ladner help offset the loss of ALR land.
Some of the input from area residents received so far included concerns about a potential increase in traffic along Springs Boulevard and at the Intersection of 52nd Street and Highway 17. One resident suggested connecting English Bluff Road to Highway 17 as part of the proposed development.
Engineering director Steven Lan told the Optimist that idea isn’t feasible due to the steepness of the terrain as well as a road extension having to cut through land owned by the Tsawwassen First Nation.
Other residents who expressed opposition noted the Tsawwassen Springs neighbourhood was large enough and didn’t need more density.
The application also requires Agricultural Land Commission and Metro Vancouver approvals.
Developed by Talisman Homes and Shato Holdings, Tsawwassen Springs will have about 500 housing units, from condos to single-family, when all phases are completed in 2018. It also features an 18-hole golf course, banquet facilities, Pat Quinn’s Restaurant & Bar and other amenities. Tsawwassen Springs will hold an open house on the proposed development on Thursday, June 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the ballroom.
