The final piece of the development puzzle for Tsawwassen Springs is almost in place.
Following a public hearing Tuesday night, Delta councillors gave conditional approval to a 60-unit townhouse addition.
“We are really pleased. For a project of that size to have virtually no opposition, I have never experienced that in all my years in Delta,” said developer Ron Toigo.
“There is always someone against everything. It has come a long way from when this project started and the 20 public hearings. What it really shows, though, is people can see what Tsawwassen Springs is. They can see it and appreciate it for what it has become — a real desirable place to live for the people of Tsawwassen and all over the Lower Mainland. People that live there are proud to live there and we in turn as developers are proud to be a part of that.”
Delta received 74 letters of support as well as two other written submissions of support. Two residents also spoke in favour at the public hearing. One resident spoke against aspects of the proposal at the hearing while Delta received 11 written submissions of opposition.
“In general, I would like to thank the proponent for once again bringing forward a project and then taking it forward to the public, hearing what they have to say and then making the necessary changes,” said Coun. Jeannie Kanakos. “That give and take for project development is the model that works so well, which I think sets this project apart. It has become a better project through that consultation.”
The townhouses, a tennis court and other amenities are to be built immediately west of the current development on a 2.55-hectare (6.3-acre) site in the Agricultural Land Reserve but not actively farmed.
The two- and three-storey townhouses will be a mix of eight types ranging from 1,414 square feet to 1,838 square feet and have similar designs to buildings in Tsawwassen Springs.
The applicant proposes to contribute $500,000 as part of the compensation for ALR removal. Unlike the original development, which saw a contribution of more than $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.
Besides Delta’s approval, the application also requires Agricultural Land Commission and Metro Vancouver approvals.
“That is the next step, but we are confident we have addressed all the concerns,” Toigo said. “I think we will get it done and look forward to breaking ground next spring.”
Developed by Talisman Homes and Shato Holdings, Tsawwassen Springs will have about 550 housing units, from condos to single-family, when all phases are complete. It also features an 18-hole golf course, banquet facilities, Pat Quinn’s Restaurant & Bar and other amenities.
