Delta council earlier this month approved a recommendation for the city to enter a Licence of Occupation with the Tsawwassen Independent School Society for the purpose of constructing and maintaining a pedestrian footbridge along the boundary line between the Southpointe Academy school property and Grauer Park.
A report to council notes that pedestrian connectivity to the park is poor and students at the 56 Street private school regularly access the site but are currently required to travel along a roadway shared with motor vehicles.
The school last year contacted the city, requesting approval to construct an 18-metre-long bridge over an existing city maintained irrigation/drainage ditch located along the boundary line of land owned by the City of Delta and the school’s property.
Staff concur that, in addition to providing improved and safer pedestrian access between the two properties, there are no negative impacts to city operations at the park or the irrigation/drainage system, the report notes.
As part of the licence, the society will be required to construct and maintain the bridge throughout the term, which was proposed at a period of 25 years, beginning Aug 1, 2024 and ending on July 31, 2049.
The licence contains the terms and conditions granted by the city, including non-exclusive use and rights of public access.
The licence fee is $1 for the duration of the term.
Three years ago, following negative public feedback, Southpointe Academy withdrew a proposal to build a $4.5 million joint-use recreation facility with the City of Delta.
The private school had approached the city about the possibility of having a new indoor facility situated north of the South Delta Recreation Centre, where the lacrosse box and playground in the park are currently located.
Last fall, city council agreed to grant a development variance that paves the way for a major expansion of Southpointe Academy.
The project involves the addition of a second building to the east of the existing private school building, constructed on top of an existing parking area.
