The World Series is over but the Southlands public hearing is going into extra innings so come out and have your say today. It resumes at 3 p.m. at the South Delta Recreation Centre.
About eight years ago I was contracted by Century Group to design an interactive web presence that would document the activities of the Southlands Community Planning Team. Anyone from the community was invited to participate in the group to share their thoughts.
The early days of the planning team were interesting for sure. If anyone thinks the deck was stacked, they are wrong. There was a wide variety of opinion but as reasoned arguments were developed, a combination of basic ideas began to evolve. "No means no" was never in the dialogue.
I chronicled weekly meetings and posted pertinent information on the website. Anyone was able to sign in and leave a comment, observation or suggestion anonymously or as a registered user. Where was everyone then? When I look back, it was a very exciting time. I was, and still am, impressed that so many people with so many viewpoints could produce such a thoughtful design brief.
One of the early ideas was the concept of an educational component dedicated to agriculture. This idea is still percolating within the Delta school district and partnerships are developing as we speak to capitalize on opportunities as they may present themselves.
In all the voices from the opposition that decry "you can't pave over farmland," there has not been a solution offered that could better the compromise that is on the table right now.
A "no" speaker the other day suggested that housing stock and a market square development would "fragment" and "degrade" habitat.
I think the same would be true if mayor and council supported a "no means no" mantra.
What would Sean Hodgins and Century do if the answer was no? Put yourself in his shoes for a moment. Would he give up and say, "OK, you win, I am going to give the public all of this land because I am tired of the battle?" Not likely.
He would probably take time to reflect and then consider other options that might include getting into the farming business, a midlife career change, if you will. It does happen. Likely, this type of farming would consider the highest and best use of the land. Given its current soil condition, I think we all know what that means.
More likely, Century would consider hiving off the associated properties one or two at a time. In this scenario, new landowners would carry on with their intentions and go through zoning processes to achieve their business and investment goals so you and I can reconvene at a public hearing yet again. What fun for all! This would occur as each parcel is purchased.
Talk about fragmentation. How about frustration? In this fragmented scenario you can also bet there will not be one soil-based farmer interested in the purchase of any one of these parcels as is.
We need to concern ourselves with our human habitat and our human environment. It is just as important.
Finding the grey amongst the black and white is difficult. I believe we are seeing the most beautiful shade of grey in this proposal and that it is finally time to say yes.
