Editor:
Re: Here’s a perfect opportunity to keep the town core alive, letter to the editor, Dec. 12
I am in opposition to the concept of high buildings in the Tsawwassen town centre as it isn't the right answer to keep the business centre alive and well.
The letter suggested this would be the perfect scenario for this community as it has done so much for areas in Vancouver, but what isn't known or said here, is that many Vancouver residents are extremely opposed to this type of redevelopment. South Granville and the McKenzie Market areas are now under similar threat and the locals are in protest.
Why do we think more or bigger is better? Traffic is already clogging up 56th Street. There are many nice communities that thrive because they are unique and quaint. Look at places like Qualicum.
I understand the value of land and more square footage of building means more money for the developer. You cannot build in the Lower Mainland cheap enough to allow a matching value to current incomes unless subsidized by government.
Tsawwassen is a desirable place to live and mainly because it is a different community than the rest of the Lower Mainland. It should remain different than Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond and others.
Yes, many want more diversity in housing choices, but new units built here will not be cheap. Tsawwassen Springs is a prime example.
Buildings three to four storeys maximum with retail or service-type occupancies at ground level is ample and will not diminish the views of the North Shore mountains. Small retail businesses are under threat due to the mall development on Tsawwassen First Nation land. They cannot all compete with the big box stores and online shopping, which is expanding rapidly. A transformation into more service-type occupancies will likely prevail.
We need to think clearly about how our community should be developed, and design buildings that complement the ocean that surrounds us. This is a democracy and the community needs to vote on major changes in our community. The government needs to serve the desires of the people, not developers.
We have a beautiful, family-oriented, safe community. Let’s be very selective in how we move forward in order to preserve this environment.
Gord Freeborn
