The division of the municipality between North Delta and South Delta has been long been an issue around here. You might call the division our two solitudes. Neither area really knows what is happening with the other. With not much chance of Burns Bog ever being developed, the geographical divide is likely to remain.
The new South Fraser Perimeter Road does make travel between the two halves of our municipality much easier - as long as a freight truck hasn't chosen that day to roll over and block the highway.
But beyond the North/South split, there are two smaller geographic units that are both as distinct from the residential areas as they are from each other. While most of the islands in the lower Fraser River delta are part of the City of Richmond, there are a few significant islands that are part of the Municipality of Delta. The islands vary immensely depending on whether they are up river or down river.
Furthest up river is Annacis Island, which is primarily an industrial park. Being on an island, most Delta residents have little to do with Annacis other than driving through on the Alex
Fraser Bridge. Prior to the opening of the Alex Fraser, Annacis Island could not be reached directly from Delta.
South of Annacis is Deas Island, which is no longer a true island. Deas Island was once home of a salmon cannery, but that is long gone and Deas is now a park heavily used for picnics and river walks.
It is unfortunate that no indication of the Delta canneries remains, although some heritage buildings have been relocated to the park.
Continuing south is my favourite - Westham Island. It is accessed only by a swing bridge that has been in service for over 100 years. After making it over the rickety bridge, you encounter a sign that states the island is protected by the Westham Island Gun Club. Not the most welcoming sign I've ever seen, but the locals are friendly - except for the occasional Canada goose that can be quite aggressive and bad tempered.
Westham Island is best known for the George Reifel Bird Sanctuary, which provides a resting place for migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway. We are approaching one of the landmark events for the birders - the arrival of thousands of snow geese migrating south from Russia. They can often be seen blanketing fields on the island.
Beyond the bird sanctuaries, the island is still farmed with many Delta residents visiting the island during berry picking season.
There is something rejuvenating about being out on a farm. It is quiet and peaceful.
And although not a birder, I enjoy the walk through the bird sanctuary. A short trip down the river, but a world removed from the hustle and bustle of Annacis Island.
Tom Siba is a former publisher of the Delta Optimist who actually goes to Westham Island for Emma Lea's milkshakes.
