Editor:
Re: Northgate project gets approval, July 20
When giving approval to a six-storey building on 56th Street, during the July 16 Delta council meeting, Coun. Bruce McDonald supported his decision by stating there was not much difference between the existing four-storey building limitation in the Tsawwassen Area Plan and the proposed six storeys.
Councillors Robert Campbell and Scott Hamilton echoed his remarks, despite the fact Coun. Sylvia Bishop had already stated the correct building limitation in the area plan.
There was no correction forthcoming from members of staff.
The maximum building height permitted in the area covered by the Northgate development is specified in the area plan as 35 feet, which translates into three storeys.
This is also specified in the report from the community planning department attached to the proposed development bylaw.
In their haste to find arguments to approve what is a radical change of building height in this area, it is clear these three councillors used inaccurate facts to approve a development that overturns the limits in the Tsawwassen Area Plan and the Official Community Plan.
Only one of these councillors is a Tsawwassen resident, and this is another example of the disregard they have for the very expensively and recently completed Tsawwassen Area Plan.
This should serve as a warning when council comes to assess public opinion with regards to the proposed Southlands development application. Can we expect that our future will be decided by the arbitrary attitudes of so few people?
The case for a referendum or poll of Tsawwassen residents about the Southlands application is indisputable.
Peter Duffey
