Editor:
Re: Public gets glimpse into malls, Jan. 13
The article doesn't begin to address the key point of the issue: Is it all viable?
Upon doing some research, the answer to that question is not clear.
The proposed almost 1.8 million square foot area comprising two malls, 20 major retailers and about 195 assorted other retail shops, food courts and the like is quite something to ponder.
This size of mall project, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers based in the U.S., is classified as a super regional mall. This means it should be the dominant shopping venue in the region (a 25-mile radius).
Do the Tsawwassen First Nation and the developers honestly believe they are going to overtake malls like Metrotown, Willowbrook, Lansdowne, Central City Surrey, Park Royal, Oakridge and Pacific Centre as the dominant shopping venue? One wonders if shoppers will leave these and many other malls in the Lower Mainland to drive many kilometres to Tsawwassen.
Large-scale malls like the proposed TFN venture appear to be a dying breed in Canada. According to Wikipedia, only two have been built since 1992: Vaughan Mills opened in 2004 north or Toronto and in 2009, CrossIron Mills opened in Calgary.
These two malls were put together by Ivanhoe Cambridge, the very same company that will develop Tsawwassen Mills. Is it possible the TFN have been sold a bill of goods? Why aren't more malls being built?
There are many factors that formulate the answer to this viability question. People now prefer to shop locally. They shop online. They have become more sophisticated and prefer boutique or "one of " stores that feel more personal. They don't want to spend time and money on gasoline to travel to a destination mall.
In the Greater Vancouver area, there is a plethora of shopping opportunities that require limited travel, great selection and competitive pricing, all without having to squeeze through a tunnel, while fighting ferry traffic, so they can go to a discount outlet store to buy stuff they don't really need in a weak economy.
Certainly, no one begrudges the TFN a bright and prosperous future. It is well past time they can spread their wings economically and soar to new heights.
Unfortunately, the path they are choosing by going the huge destination mall route is fraught with a very likely chance of long-term failure.
TFN, develop your own solution. How about a "Town Centre" design, with winding streets and trees that features a variety of individual shops and restaurants (Granville Island comes to mind?)
People might bicycle or stroll the avenues and enjoy a real taste of the fine First Nation culture, which would be much better served and ultimately, sustainable.
Ray Higgs
