Editor:
I see the Century Group has put forward its plan for the Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall that includes underground parking and 12-, 14- and 16-storey buildings which is a rehash of the previous plan.
It appears Century has had meetings with city officials and business groups, but did it ever occur to the developer to have a meeting with Tsawwassen residents and see what they would prefer before coming up with a master plan? We now get to put forward what we think of the proposal, but we all know that given the amount of work to produce the new plan, Century will not be pleased to change it much.
It still includes a six-storey building abutting 56th Street, which was rejected by the public last time, which should be thrown out immediately. We now have a new Delta council headed by Mayor George Harvie so I will be curious to see if it takes the side of the public or the developer.
By starting with a two-storey block on 56th Street and gradually rising to six blocks will give the town centre a more open outlook. But I fear the need for profit will override this and we are again looking at high-rise buildings
Yes, we do need an upgrade and, yes, we do need more affordable housing, but if this is done and completely destroys what is a pleasant place to live then count me out.
Question: Are there any high-rise blocks in Ladner or plans to build one? Strange how Tsawwassen is being put forward as the way forward while Ladner keeps its nice peaceful existence.
The strapline for the new town centre is “A place worth walking to” because that will be the only way to get to it unless you enjoy underground parking or driving around to find one of the few ground level places available. Remember the first two levels of underground parking are for residents and retail people, so we have to go three levels down to get a space.
Producing very attractive architect drawings showing a new library, open spaces, etc. is all well and good but I suggest people go to Richmond, look at a 16-storey building (there are plenty to see), and transpose that picture to Tsawwassen’s town centre. Then add 12- and 14-storey towers and that is what we are going to get if the developers have their way.
This whole plan is driven by making profit out of offering 700 condos as a means to help the housing problem. It has nothing to do with the Tsawwassen resident who already lives here.
Ivor Hewitt
