You can sure tell spring is on its way to South Delta. The trees are starting to blossom. The birds are singing. The sun is up before you are. And it's time to start fighting over the Southlands.
Let me start by saying that I've lived in Boundary Bay for over 16 years. I would love nothing better than to see the Southlands stay just as it is forever. Better yet, I'd like to win the lottery and buy it. (OK, I'll settle for just winning the lottery...)
I've sat through hours of meetings, read dozens of articles and letters to the editor, and had hundreds of conversations with neighbours. I've come to one conclusion: I probably won't like the outcome.
Through this whole process, I've watched Century Group president Sean Hodgins go to great lengths to convince us this is what Tsawwassen needs. Two formal plans, goodness knows how many plans that weren't used, charrettes and open houses (with great cookies, I might add.) Yet he is not much further ahead than when he started. I don't blame him for being frustrated.
While I don't agree with what he wants to do with the land, I have nothing but respect for Hodgins. He's taken a lot of heat through this whole process from a number of areas, but he and his family support countless charities and other good causes, all for the benefit of the community, which I greatly appreciate.
Personally, I don't believe owning a piece of agricultural land gives anyone the right to develop it. That's what you bought, that's what you have, regardless of what you want to do with it. It's like buying a penny stock - some will pay off, most won't. Maybe this is one that won't pay off.
The current proposal involves 950 housing units just west of Boundary Bay. By contrast, the Bay currently has 481 homes. Tripling the size of any community will cause concern. More than just adding homes and people, it would have a fundamental impact on the culture of the area. Add 40 or 50 homes and it can be absorbed, tripling the size of any community overwhelms it.
I have other concerns about the location of the current proposal. It's a long way for seniors to get services. Families will have to drive kids to schools, because Boundary Beach isn't reopening any time soon, and there is no appetite for a new school given the current enrollment levels. To think people will choose a bike over a car to get around is a nice thought, but it rains here.
I believe the development needs to be closer to 56th Street, closer to the infrastructure of the town. But that creates a whole new set of concerns for the folks around there. My guess is they won't like that suggestion.
So, as we enter into the next round of consultations on the Southlands, let's make sure we are all listening to each other. Some people will be more affected than others by whatever outcome is reached, and we have to be open to hearing and considering their concerns.
While listening doesn't mean agreeing, it can lead to a compromise that we can all live with - no matter how much we may not like it.
