Now that the Southlands saga is coming to a merciful conclusion, you'd think the opportunities to voice displeasure with the contentious development project would soon disappear.
Fear not, as I suspect the project being undertaken by the Century Group on Tsawwassen's most famous piece of real estate will provide fodder for letter writers for years to come.
While approvals are finalized over the next little while, it's likely the letters will lean toward condescending politicians ignoring the public's wishes along with a smattering of concerns over climate change and building on a flood plain.
Once work actually begins on the site, it's an absolute certainty there will be complaints over dump trucks rumbling through town. Noise, dust, wear and tear on roads, rock chips on windshields, waits at traffic lights... pick your irritant and be sure to let everyone know.
When drainage and irrigation improvements have been made and farming begins in earnest, it will set the stage for that old chestnut of rural-urban conflict: farm smells. Fertilizers and pungent crops will invariably draw the ire of neighbours, just as they have in Beach Grove, East Ladner and wherever farms abut residences.
Construction of the housing will bring with it complaints over noise and traffic along with laments about the rising structures being a blight on the landscape. There will undoubtedly be concerns voiced over the scope and density of the project and how it will alter the character of the community, to say nothing of it obscuring views and covering arable land.
Heck, I imagine we'll even hear worries that the new pathways running through the property are bringing too many people to Centennial Beach, to the point where regulars are having trouble finding a log of their own.
Yes, the Southlands is the issue that keeps on giving - at least if you're in the business of moderating public discourse.
It would be nice if the acrimony that characterizes this strategically placed piece of land disappeared now that a decision has finally been made, but something tells me that's probably asking too much. Emotions run high when it comes to the Southlands and personal viewpoints are often deeply rooted, so it's not like some folks will be able to just flip a switch.
That means the angst that has permeated the community will remain for some time - and you can rest assured the negative letters will continue to flow.
