LETTER—No need to develop
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When I see the Southlands, I thank the people of Tsawwassen for their foresight in preserving the green heart of this community.
Again we are asked whether we want a soul-destroying mega-development on rich lowland delta soil.
The Southlands define what is good about Tsawwassen.
It gives distinction to our neighbourhoods, acts to lower pressure along our international border, and is important habitat for the Pacific Flyway.
In addition, we must maintain the existing natural drainage of this lowland to prevent flooding of adjacent properties.
What is the need to develop the Southlands?
The town centre hasn’t nearly reached its full development potential.
Alternative future housing should be driven by allowing duplexes, carriage houses, and secondary suites to increase the density and diversity of existing developed land.
In this type of development, existing lot owners and local general contractors work on individual plans together with the municipality, and it keeps jobs within the community.
Don’t let the temporary closure of two elementary schools make you think our community is not “sustainable.”
Statistics Canada has reported a recent increase in our fertility rate that mirrors those increases in developed countries around the world (Globe and Mail, September 22nd, 2009).
The Southlands should be returned to the Agricultural Land Reserve and only a referendum on the subject could accurately gauge public opinion.
The Tsawwassen Area Plan Review was driven by the developers themselves and is therefore fundamentally flawed.
The land is presently zoned agricultural (in the current Tsawwassen Area Plan).
James Hipwell,
Delta
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