As we close out the year and start a new one, it's a good time to look back at where we have been and look forward to what's ahead. As we go into 2014, there are a few things I've been wondering about: 1. Will anyone from Tsawwassen use the South Fraser Perimeter Road to go north on Highway 99? All the signs tell us to use the SFPR instead of Highway 17A, but since the overpass opened I've seen more people going that way than taking the new, longer route. Granted, it hasn't really been open on a full traffic day, and I'm sure people will find the route they are most comfortable with, but it sure seems like a long way around to get to the same place and merge with the same traffic as we did before.
I was hoping that joining tunnel traffic three kilometres earlier would provide the opportunity to take the counterflow lane in the morning, but no dice. That said, at least we won't get stuck in the South Surrey mayhem either.
If I really wanted to, I could take the third lane south, but since all the signs tell people to take the SFPR for the ferry, only us locals are using 17A to get to Tsawwassen.
Not part of the plan, but when have we ever followed someone else's plan? 2. Will anyone from Ladner ever take the SFPR? Can you even get on the SFPR from Ladner? 3. Will the Southlands proposal be approved by Metro Vancouver? Decades of proposals, meetings and debates will be decided in 2014, one way or another. My biggest hope for the whole issue is, no matter which way it ends up, the fields flood just enough to freeze over for some outdoor skating during a cold snap. It doesn't happen that often, but I feel just a little bit more Canadian when I can be like the rest of the country and skate on a frozen pond in the sunshine.
4. What will we hear from the municipal auditor? Delta is one of the first five municipalities to be reviewed as part of the provincial government's new Auditor General Local Government. The purpose is to review procurement procedures and ensure good value for our tax dollars. The report is due out in the spring.
I like this idea. If the auditor finds problems, we can fix them. If there are none, we will have that much more faith in our local government. Ambiguity breeds speculation, but facts create clarity, and facts supported by a third party instill confidence.
5. Will the school board be able to resolve the student transportation issue? When the Ministry of Education revised its transportation funding formula, Delta received the second largest percentage cut of any district in the province. A subsequent meeting with ministry staff to discuss Delta's unique geography didn't get the formula changed. This has been a big challenge for the school board this time around, and I hope that a solution can be found.
6. This is an election year. Aside from the SFPR, will these issues change the face of our local elected officials? That's for you to decide. All the best for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2014!
