Long-time local resident Michael Duncan says there is only one option for the revitalization of Ladner's waterfront restore it as it was.
"Where are our leaders to dictate to developers not to let them dictate to us?" he asked recently. "There is no other concept for the redevelopment of the Ladner Harbour except one restore it as it was."
Delta council recently approved a pair of bylaws aimed at attracting investment to redevelop the area. Delta has been working on revitalizing the waterfront area for several years and in 2011 announced the selection of Quay Property Management to submit a detailed proposal for the redevelopment of civicowned properties along Chisholm Street. However, that idea was abandoned a year later with the municipality opting to offer incentives in an effort to stimulate development in the area.
"Ladner Harbour started out as a home port for fishermen," Duncan said. "So, how can you go wrong if you restore the harbour as it was... a fishing harbour with all the romantic memories of the past."
Duncan, who has lived in South Delta for more than 40 years, has experience with restoring harbours.
He served as executive director of the Vancouver Maritime Museum and was responsible for securing funds for the multi-million dollar Heritage Harbour. He has also been a guest speaker at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax, the South Street Maritime Museum and Historical Society in New York and Mystic Seaport, one of the largest maritime museums in the world, in Connecticut.
He envisions net lofts, net sheds and boat buildings all built on the exterior as they used to be.
"But on the interior they could be offices, art galleries, shops - retail in any shape or form."
Duncan said there could be provincial and federal money available to help fund such a project, especially if it incorporated a fishing museum. With help from the fishing industry, the revitalized harbour could moor historic fish boats that would add a visual impact for locals and tourists.
"This is the last site anywhere in the Lower Mainland to preserve our heritage," he said. "Do not make the horrific mistake that Steveston has done."
He said countless stores selling identical souvenirs, knick-knacks and ice cream cones have marred the natural beauty of the Fraser River.
"What the hell does that say about creative genius?" Aside from the cannery museum to the west and the original buildings to the east, Duncan said, "The new developments are not only sterile and visually dull but there is not one item of the original fishing community on show."
He said he would like to see the restoration of Ladner's waterfront bring pride to the village while adding an attraction for tourists and residents.
