Editor:
My husband and I are relatively new residents of South Delta, and live in the neighbourhood where the Tim Horton's would have been located if the rezoning application had passed.
One of the arguments used to reject the application in East Ladner was idling cars at the drive-thru. Despite this concern, I think a Tim Hortons would be a welcome addition to our neighbourhood for a couple of reasons.
First of all, the closest quick-service restaurant to the residents of East Ladner is probably McDonald's. Also, the nearest Tim Hortons are located at the Matthews Exchange, Tsawwassen Town Centre and in Tsawwassen Mills.
While all of these restaurants are within driving distance, they are certainly not within walking distance of 64th Street and Ladner Trunk in East Ladner (unless, of course, one wants to walk 20 minutes over the green overpass to get a Big Mac).
If the Tim Hortons zoning application had been approved in East Ladner, then I believe many residents in the Holly Park area would not drive to get their double-doubles, but would walk or bike there. Another reason for approving a Tim Hortons in East Ladner would have been to support local employment. As a person in my mid-50s who is underemployed, I would have been the first person to stand in line (or apply online) for an opportunity to work within walking distance of my home.
It's time to wake up, smell the coffee and approve this rezoning application next time.
A. Cameron
