There is a solution.
That's how Brad Semke, the project manager for the Southlands development, summed up the ongoing situation with the Earthwise Society during a presentation to the South Delta Probus Club Wednesday.
The presentation at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn was an opportunity for club members to get an update on the Century Group's major residential development project, which received final approval a few months ago and is now seeing preparation work take place at the 525-acre site.
One of the subjects he discussed was concern raised by the Earthwise Society about the loss of space.
Century is transferring 80 per cent of the Southlands to Delta, land that will be used for agriculture, natural habitat and public open space, including a Market Square and greenways. The remaining 20 per cent will be for 950 housing units.
The Market Square is to be located where Earthwise currently operates at Boundary Bay Road and 3rd Avenue. The society has a demonstration garden, allotment gardens, a demonstration farm as well as a nearby organic farm that raises revenue to fund education programs.
In a recent interview, Earthwise executive director Patricia Fleming said the biggest impact, one the society wasn't anticipating, will be the loss of the demonstration farm. Earthwise was aware some of the demonstration section would be impacted, but losing almost everything, including the growing area, will hugely impact programs as well as revenues, she said.
Noting that agriculture will be an essential component of the Southlands, including 50 acres for small-case community organic farming, which will be located next to larger scale production, Semke said Earthwise has been offered a couple of acres within the community farm area. Others who will have a presence there include the Delta School district's Project Pickle.
The Earthwise Garden has always been included at the core and won't be affected, but it will still have a presence in the new active farming area too, something that was presented to the public back in 2013, explained Semke.
He noted the Market Square has been specifically designed to function for multiple events and not a single purpose.
"To put everything in context, Earthwise approached us back in 2014 asking for an overlay as to what the future area would look like... we overlaid the plan as it was presented to the public and approved by (Delta) council. The Earthwise Garden where they have their lease is protected 100 per cent. The balance are all the improvements to be done for the Market Square," he said.
Anita den Dikken with a group calling itself Friends of Earthwise told Semke that although Earthwise had signed a 20-year lease at only $1 annually for the garden, the society had spent upwards of $60,000 to restore a barn on the site. She also noted achieving organic status requires at least three years if they moved elsewhere.
Semke responded that a needs list put together by Earthwise a couple of years ago included a one-acre parcel for farming, but two had been offered.
When the society asked to extend its operation into the farm area, Century Group agreed.
"Century said, 'We'll give you a lease for your garden area. We understand you've put in a lot of effort, and improvement, and we believe in the sustainability issue.' However, what we have said, and always said, is, 'The other areas, the farming areas, you're welcome to farm there until development occurs, and then you'll have to relocate. And that's why there's no lease on those lands," he said.
"That being said, alternative fields have been created for Earthwise to take advantage of. There is some work associated in bringing those fields in production, but they are certified organic."
