Editor:
Delta's planning department has collected thousands of pieces or correspondence from people concerned about plans to turn the Southlands farmland into a construction zone.
All but lost amongst that pile of letters is a very interesting one recently submitted by the provincial Ministry of Agriculture.
The letter points out some major flaws in Century Group's Community Based Farm District proposal, flaws that municipal hall has just brushed aside, or failed to assess, adding to an already very large mound under Delta council's proverbial carpet.
For example, the letter contests the very viability of small-scale, organic agriculture and the proposed revenue figures Century has given. Century based its assumptions on a Ministry of Agriculture report that considered farms of a more normal size, using conventional production methods.
In other words, Century's figures grossly exaggerate the financial viability of its farming proposal.
The ministry letter also points out the Community Based Farm District plan gives insufficient details on soils and crops, without which, an informed decision by Delta council cannot be made.
As Delta residents we have become all too familiar with a mayor and council who dismiss the will of the majority while pandering to the demands of a developer.
Peter Malim
