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Expand Ladner's critical mass

Don't worry, the headline doesn't refer to the presence of nuclear materials in Delta. This term is being used in reference to the creation of an agglomeration of facilities and activities that create a purposeful destination for visitors.

Don't worry, the headline doesn't refer to the presence of nuclear materials in Delta. This term is being used in reference to the creation of an agglomeration of facilities and activities that create a purposeful destination for visitors.

There has been much talk, study, consultation and feedback regarding the Ladner waterfront - a critical issue in the future of Ladner - so I thought I would take this opportunity to air my views from my slightly detached perspective.

I do not live in Ladner. I grew up (and still reside) in Steveston, a community that shares some characteristics with Ladner. I also have an academic and professional background in land use planning and spent some time on the board of Tourism Richmond, so I think I can speak to this subject with some degree of background knowledge.

In my opinion, Ladner Harbour is akin to an unpolished gem. The raw material is evident, but the true beauty is brought out in the skill applied to the cutting and polishing process.

So it is with the harbour: a fabulous setting and tremendous opportunity, but to what extent will the "finishing" process create a unique, treasured community asset?

Like Steveston, Ladner is located some distance from a major transportation corridor, so people, in most cases, must make a conscious decision to visit. Steveston, in particular, is a destination point.

Over time, it has developed the necessary critical mass - whether it's the cluster of unique shops and restaurants in the village, the mileslong waterfront walkway, the fishing pier, or the major historic sites and adjacent parks - to attract people for a visit.

The "critical mass package" has made it worth their while to go out of their way to visit, which is especially important for places like Steveston or Ladner that don't have huge volumes of traffic pass by.

Currently, Ladner's commercial core, while containing unique shops and restaurants, coupled with the Delta Museum, does not possess the critical mass necessary to put it "on the map" as a major regional destination.

Events such as the Ladner Village Market are very successful, but do not contribute to regular business days. In my opinion, the revitalization of the harbour is the key to the creation of critical mass in Ladner.

If the harbour can be transformed into a destination point, where visitors and locals alike can spend time engaging in a range of activities - from kayaking and exploring the estuary, to cycling along farmland to the Reifel Bird Sanctuary, to shopping and dining in boutique shops and unique restaurants - then people will come to recognize Ladner as a prime location for a day trip or outing.

One may argue people can already engage in all of these activities in Ladner. However, the missing element is the packaging of all of these activities and the creation of a setting that serves as the focal point for the visitor.

To me, the harbour is that drawing card.

Combine Ladner with the other attractions in the area (wineries, Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Burns Bog, OWL, hiking trails) and suddenly you have a significant inventory of wide-ranging activities for visitors.

The final element is marketing "the gem." Put all of this together and Ladner will have achieved critical mass.

Mark Sakai is the executive director of the Delta Museum and Archives.