Editor: During the past few years, developments have proceeded at Tsawwassen Springs, Marina Gardens and Tsawwassen First Nations. All of these developments were proposed and authorized after the proposals for the Southlands development.
I expect all of these are on land with the same or worse flood plain problems than the Southlands. I expect all have at least equal farming potential as the Southlands.
The Marina Gardens development has more difficult traffic patterns and access than the proposed Southlands development. All depend on Highway 17 and the tunnel for access to Vancouver.
None have as convenient access to local shopping as the Southlands. None provide the improved walking access to Boundary Bay or the waterfront from a major residential area as the Southlands offers to Tsawwassen residents. None provide access to public owned green space next to residential areas.
The developers seem to have gained approval without having to make the substantial offers Century Group has made to Delta and Tsawwassen.
Why has the Corporation of Delta not embraced and promoted the Southlands development? Why are we proceeding with expensive and excessive planning procedures and additional reviews when everyone who is affected or interested in the proposal has had access to the numerous prior forums and information sessions put on by Delta and the Century Group? There is even a display house with extensive information in Tsawwassen. The Century Group has been more open, provided better information and made more concessions to local residents than any of the other developments.
I am concerned the concessions already made by the Century Group and the delays in making a recommendation by the administration and the reluctance of council to approve the development for political, not technical, reasons are unnecessarily adding to the cost of the development and the final cost for the housing.
A number of political analysts have pointed out that a small group with skills in manipulating the media and that claims to speak for the majority often has an unjust influence on elected representatives. This is a perversion of democracy that places council in a defensive position rather than making a decision on the facts and benefits to the community.
The angry voices of the proponents of "no change" to the Southlands have monopolized prior meetings.
It is time to decide and make a strong positive stand so you can get all the community behind you.
Bill Sharkey
