Happy New Year everyone! I'm not a huge resolution guy although I probably should be. I did take occasion to remember this particular new years as it was the 20-year anniversary of a resolution I made to quit smoking. Haven't had a puff since.
Typically though, I prefer to do what feels right without writing some sort of list. For instance, I will not put gravy on everything like I have been for what seems to be weeks now. I'm not going to have bacon and eggs every morning until next December. I will start to wear socks again and maybe brush my hair a little more often than I have been lately.
In leisure time, I will gradually ween myself off marathon TV shows and bowl games and eventually settle in to and enjoy the feeling of optimism that the new year affords. I will make an honest effort to think positively and capitalize on opportunities to enjoy life a little more than I have in the past.
What does 2014 look like for us in Delta? A lot has happened over the past few years in our community. Just a couple of years ago, many of us felt assaulted on so many levels. We all know the issues. Tsawwassen Springs, SFPR, Deltaport Third Berth, Southlands, power lines, T2 and others. They all seemed to happen at once which contributed to the unrest.
Collectively there was a very clear sense of angst in the community. Fraught with feelings of helplessness, community groups rallied and loudly voiced their opposition to change, particularly in South Delta.
This newspaper was full of often-angry letters that illustrated the need for resolution to our problems.
The landscape is changing here. I personally think that the Tsawwassen Springs community looks fantastic and I know that the golf course is a wonderful and welcomed amenity here. It is clear that the TFN are well on their way to making their statement in our local geography and although not everyone likes what they are doing, there is little point in wasting too much energy opposing the development now.
The Delta Third Berth has long been completed, the power-lines installed, and the South Fraser Perimeter Road is open and goods are moving from port to market more effectively than they were in the past.
T2 is in progress and the Southlands proposal was easily endorsed by mayor and council and is on its way to Metro this year.
Looking in to the crystal ball for 2014 shows that we may soon be running out of issues to rally against and that can only be a good thing. Major developments and infrastructure projects are in process and will form the new look of South Delta. I am happy that we won't likely see greenhouses lighting up the night sky in Tsawwassen.
There are groups collaborating on the Market Square plan for the Southlands right now and my crystal ball tells me that our community is going to like what they see and that one day we will all be able to enjoy ourselves in a much improved town.
All the best for 2014!
