Skip to content

Excited and concerned as malls less than year away

Sixty-five curious residents recently attended the McKee Philosophers' presentation on the mega malls under construction at the Tsawwassen First Nation.

Sixty-five curious residents recently attended the McKee Philosophers' presentation on the mega malls under construction at the Tsawwassen First Nation. Mark Fenwick from IvanhoƩ Cambridge, the developer of Tsawwassen Mills, spoke about that mall and the adjacent Tsawwassen Commons, confirming there had been no public consultation with our communities, only with the TFN.

Some folks were excited about having all these new shopping and entertainment choices but many were concerned about traffic, safety, crime and the impact on our local economies and merchants.

There will be 6,000 parking places at Tsawwassen Mills, including 14 for electric vehicles. Some 900 trees and 700 shrubs will be planted outdoors. There will be no natural plants inside. The roof will be white, which is efficient for both hot and cold weather.

The Guest Services department is providing a promotional wall for regional tourist activities, computers, a play area for children and childcare. Strollers will be available as well as wheelchairs and scooters for people with mobility issues. They promise ample seating throughout the malls. It will create 3,000 jobs and 15 cart leases will be available.

The grand opening for Tsawwassen Mills is scheduled for Oct. 5, 2016, although the Bass Pro Shops store hopes to open in the spring. Modeled after malls in Calgary and Toronto, Tsawwassen Mills is to have premium brand (discounted) stores, dining and entertainment.

Fenwick admitted our local retail fashion sector will likely be impacted but he doesn't see much competition with other service businesses and suggested we will likely continue to support our own merchants. He noted they also have competition from online shopping.

There will not be a movie theatre, which drew a disappointed groan from the audience. Suggestion: Have the theatre be a multi-use space and when movies aren't playing let community groups rent it for a nominal fee for their clubs and activities.

There was a lot of concern about the intersection of 52nd Street and Highway 17, which will need a pedestrian overpass. Fenwick stated they have already invested $50 million in road upgrades. Suggestion: Maybe the Corporation of Delta, the TFN, Ministry of Highways and B.C. Ferries can collaborate on building this overpass before someone has to die.

Other suggestions: Promotional pamphlets on their promo wall talking about our communities. To have a shuttle bus doing a continuous loop through Ladner and Tsawwassen to the malls. This would benefit us through not having to drive, park, walk long distances and South Delta could benefit by introducing the mall's visitors to our communities.

ML Burke retired from the health sector to work on issues such as affordable housing. She sits on the Delta Seniors Planning Team and the B.C. Seniors Advocate's Advisory Council.