A parade of bikes stretched along 56th Street Sunday as Delta residents had an opportunity to explore the Southlands at the Century Group's Southlands Bike-In & BBQ.
Over 200 cyclists gathered in the afternoon at the Southlands Cottage Courtyard at the Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall to participate in a bike procession to the Southlands farm. While waiting for the biking to begin, bikers received complimentary bike tune-ups by Delta Bike Company.
After welcoming everyone to the event, Century Group president Sean Hodgins led the procession down 56th Street to the farm gate, eventually converging at the site of the proposed market square.
Attendees had an opportunity to tour the vast property on their bikes, by foot and by hay wagon. For many, it was the first time they were able to experience the enormity of the property.
"I knew the Bike-In would be successful because of the strong support we are receiving in the community, but we were surprised to have close to 500 people show up to an event that we just started planning a few weeks ago," said Southlands project manager Brad Semke.
"We will continue to open the gates to the Southlands for special events like Earthwise's upcoming Tomato Festival this Saturday, but beyond that, it will be up to the residents of Delta and the Delta mayor and council to open the Southlands' forever," Semke said.
The next step for the Southlands plan is the public hearing that begins Oct. 28. Members of the public will be able to voice their views about the proposal that includes 950 housing units on 20 per cent of the site with the remainder turned over to Delta for a community farm.
