Editor:
Although the thought of paving over farmland and replacing it with mall sprawl makes most of us wince and cringe, could the Tsawwassen First Nation's plans to develop two malls and residential housing be a blessing in disguise?
The reality is the TFN now has control over additional land through its recent treaty with the government, which is only a small portion of what was once its traditional land. Now the Tsawwassen First Nation is doing what the majority of members feel is best for the community - to raise revenues and create more employment opportunities.
Maybe some of it is best for our community too.
They could have decided to put industrial development there, or other unpalatable sources of revenue, but instead, they are creating facilities our community currently lacks - larger stores, more choices for restaurants, possibly recreational venues such as a movie theatre or bowling alley.
I shop locally every week but there are some things that we just don't have.
Do we want keep travelling to North Delta, White Rock, Richmond or even Vancouver for these things?
Additional housing options and amenities to support a changing population may solve our housing issues and may even allow us to focus on maintaining already existing farmland, land that we can still have a say in how it's used.
Could this be a blessing in disguise? With many First Nations in B.C. facing uphill battles of their own, I congratulate the Tsawwassen First Nation.
May your community continue to grow healthy and strong.
Meg Neufeld
