Southlands The Facts is a community based grass-roots organization, which has formed in order to provide all citizens with the facts regarding Southlands development. It is our belief that Delta Council has embarked on a review of Tsawwassen’s Area Plan in a hasty and poorly structured manner. The process undertaken by the Tsawwassen Area Plan Committee has been neither transparent nor inclusive and risks the future of our community. Their main goal appears to be focused on “beating the clock” in order to ensure that a revised plan is completed before Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy is enacted and to deal with the Southlands re-zoning application submitted by Century Group, which was subsequently deferred and now returned to the applicant.
We believe in the Tsawwassen Quality of Life that exists today. It is based on a close link to the land, water and nature. Compared to most of the Lower Mainland we live in an oasis and our current Delta Vision Statement, ours to preserve by hand and heart, embodies the philosophy we should be embracing to safeguard what we have.
We also believe in intelligent growth, diversity and community evolution, but it must preserve our open spaces, farmland and wildlife. These are the heart and soul of Tsawwassen.
Our Mission
We will focus on enhancing the comfort of small town living, by creating a new and vibrant town centre which will include a wider array of residential, commercial and mixed use buildings. Our distinct and liveable neighbourhoods will surround town centre and be linked to the water, farmland, green space and nature that we preserve and nurture. With a strong sense of community we will welcome residents from all walks of life supporting them through life’s transitions.
The Key Issue
The proponents of Southlands development believe it will offer a greater variety of affordable housing options, which cater to young families and retirees – without causing any harm to our community.
Those opposed to development on the Southlands believe there is a more intelligent way to grow and diversify our community. One that will preserve the land for agriculture and nature, without paving over any part of Southlands.
We believe all stakeholders are interested in:
Smart growth which can be accommodated within our current infrastructure constraints, including:
- Existing road infrastructure
- Existing municipal utilities (sewer, water, electrical, etc)
- Translink’s transportation plan for Tsawwassen
And, perhaps most of all
An end to the rancour and divisiveness caused by the never-ending debate on the future of Southlands