Let’s head back to January 1975 when Mayor Tom Goode made plenty of promises in his address of the inaugural meeting of municipal council.
Goode said it would be the year “would be once of the most important and exciting in the history of this municipality.”
A massive industrial complex, more homes for seniors, a large shopping center, plus help for youth were among the major objectives for the mayor.
His number one priority was industry, wanting a “viable” industrial complex on River Road, including Tilbury Island which “can eliminate the difficult task of commuting to Vancouver for thousands.”
Among his other promises was a “heavy emphasis” on the creation of a Delta arts centre in Ladner, as well as getting the provincial government to make a firm commitment on a new bridge crossing the Fraser River at Annacis Island “without delay”.
The mayor also pledged a continued fight against plans by the Greater Vancouver Regional District to build a new $10 million headquarters in Burnaby.
The mayor said he would also ask the traffic and safety committee to undertake “an aggressive campaign” to make Delta streets safer with a program of proper planning of traffic flow and controls.
As far as crime, Goode said Delta was no longer just a quiet, restful family area “but one in which intensive criminal elements exist.”
