Editor: A flyer put out by a small group of local residents opposed to any development on the Southlands arrived in my mail this morning. The title alone, Save/Don't Pave the Southlands, is designed to mislead those who are not well informed about the actual proposal.
There is no intention to pave the Southlands. Quite the contrary as the proposal before Delta council seeks approval for the development of only 20 per cent of the land while 80 per cent will be deeded to the Corporation of Delta to be preserved in perpetuity as farmland, parkland and natural habitat.
The plan has been carefully designed over the past seven years with much input from local residents and from experts in the fields of sustainable, low impact housing, agriculture in an urban setting, protection of wildlife, traffic and geotechnical issues. As well, much attention has been paid to the desire of residents for smaller scale,
affordable housing to meet the needs of young families and retirees.
This proposal includes many positive features that would enhance the community. The addition of market gardens, a farmer's market, meeting places (the Red Barn and the historic Gunn House) would all contribute to the health and vitality of the community.
With a build out over 10 to 15 years, the impact of the construction phase will scarcely be felt (no one complained about traffic or trucks when the Winskill fields were upgraded and the Southlands is proposing to have fewer daily truck trips than that project).
Measures have been designed to protect the new development from possible flooding and while traffic and parking demands will increase, independent studies have shown there is sufficient capacity without placing undo pressure on the system.
This proposal represents an unprecedented opportunity for Tsawwassen.
Helen Kettle
