Editor:
Recently I read a post on a website of a council candidate that suggested, "The Southlands proposal would mean the loss of agricultural land in Tsawwassen and potentially losing its community identity."
In my opinion, we should think of it this way: Delta is only losing 107 acres of "agricultural" land, however, Tsawwassen would be gaining 430 acres of community-owned farmland.
You have to agree, there are thousands of acres of fallow, un-farmed farmland all across Delta and even more so across the province.
B.C. is 944,735 square kilometres in size. For perspective, this is about the size of France, Germany and the Netherlands - combined. We have just over four million people here; those countries mentioned above have a combined 163.8 million people.
And guess what, my friends? They still have lots of farming. We have more un-farmed land in our province and country than anywhere on this planet. Are you finally now starting to see how ludicrous it is to be so concerned about losing 107 acres?
If you're still having trouble getting my point, let's now talk about how "ridiculously crazy" it is to even consider turning down a gift consisting of full ownership, full control and "preserving" 430 acres of "farmland" right in the middle of the community.
This proposal sets a new and completely unheard of precedent on land transfer.
I challenge anyone to compare similar cases around the province and country.
Still not convinced? In closing, let me ask you this: "Is your concern really all about preserving farmland or is it more about being on the opposite side of the new fence?"
Ken Corey
