Once again we find ourselves faced with unsubstantiated myths being touted by the developer, Century Group. Factual information requires the validity of expert and professional opinion. Simply making a statement does not make it fact. The basis of our group, Southlands the Facts, is just that, a provider of factual information so that citizens can make an informed decision. Before accepting Century’s recent claims, you should be aware of the facts based on expert opinion.

Tsawwassen’s population: 20,933 (Canada Census) 

By applying Metro Vancouver’s stated average of 2.56 persons per dwelling and reducing it to a more conservative average of 2.2 we calculate the following: 

 Tsawwassen Golf Course development:  1,000 people  

Century Group’s plans for 1900 housing units: 4,180 people 

Other potential revisions to the Tsawwassen Area Plan allowing infill and high density development in other areas of town could add as many as 22,525 people. Unlikely, but looking at these estimates conservatively we believe these changes could add at least 5,000 people.

 Tsawwassen ends up with a population of 31,113. A 49% increase in population.

FACT:   Excavated  material or ‘in-situ soil’ has very poor drainage and is susceptible to liquefaction in an earthquake.  Excavating these soils on site would result in a wet soupy mess because of the fact that the excavation would be below the water table.  Notice how full Delta’s ditches are during winter. The excavated material would not pile up well and drain for other use.  It’s easy to “claim” the in-situ soil would be used; difficult to make it work in practice.  Well-graded sands and/or gravel mixes are suitable fill materials.  Have a look at the Toigo development and witness the many truckloads of engineered fill trundling up and down Delta roads bringing in imported fill – a site that has also created water features.  We need to be very sceptical about claims that in-situ soils on the Southlands site as engineered fill for a residential development are suitable.  A geotechnical engineer would have to approve the use.  At a minimum, in-situ soil would have to be mixed with well-graded imported fill materials – but only after the excess water has been drained away and the soil dried up.  

Look at the source of facts – Century Group?? Century’s engineering studies seem to be missing.  We request a clear statement of “Fact”  from their Geotechnical engineer, backed up with a clear statement of “Fact” from their contractor that the work can be executed. See the attached file at the end of this page to read what some experts concluded the last time Southlands was threatened by development.

ANOTHER FACT - The 40,000 dump truck load number is based on Delta’s current Flood Control Level regulations for development. Delta is looking at raising this elevation – they’re doing this because the Flood Control Level is recognized to be too low. This would require additional pre-fill and increase the number of dump trucks.