Editor:
The MK Delta Lands development proposal for its property in North Delta has been the spark for some controversy - sometimes being characterized as North Delta's Southlands issue.
Heather King, at the first Delta all-candidates meeting in North Delta, surprised the meeting with an announcement that she would champion a "land swap" that would exchange the Paterson Park lands in Ladner for the MK Delta property in North Delta (east of Highway 91A and formerly part of the contiguous Burns Bog lands, but contiguous no more - a road runs through it).
A reporter wrote an article discussing King's suggestion at the meeting, labelling it the "most interesting" idea of the evening. King seems to continue to champion this "idea with no legs." According to a recounting of an all-candidates' meeting this past Saturday (Nov. 1) - again in North Delta - she now seems to have co-opted another candidate, Ron Calliou, into supporting her "non-position" on this issue.
King's idea is interesting only if you would wonder why someone (who remained noticeably absent from a similar and lengthy Southlands discussion in South Delta; she wasn't contesting an election at the time) running for elected office would champion such a non-starter of an idea in the first place.
It (a land swap) won't happen. It makes no sense for the developer and the developer has absolutely no interest in the idea, contrary to what King claims.
The idea - and particularly King's version of it - also makes no sense for Delta. Further, it makes no sense for Kwantlen Polytechnic University, either - a part owner of the Paterson Park property.
Curiously, King insists she has both MK Delta and Kwantlen excited about the idea. One has to wonder if candidate King has a fertile imagination or if she is willfully endeavouring to mislead.
Paterson Park is an enormously important piece of land for Ladner. With its size and prominent location, its development will set the tone for the village for the foreseeable future. Who in Ladner was consulted about turning that land over to a private developer?
Delta needs councillors who will be forthright and open about their positions on matters. It does not require councillors who are either misinformed, naïve or who will deliberately mislead the community - or all three.
Firth Bateman
