Emotions ran high on both sides of the issue as the longawaited public hearing on the Southlands development proposal got underway Monday.
Close to 75 speakers had their say during the first of three scheduled days for the hearing, which is being held in the gym of the South Delta Recreation Centre. It continued yesterday and was scheduled to wrap up today, although it will continue as long as there are still people wanting to speak.
If the first day's proceedings were any indication, the Southlands is as divisive as advertised, with proponents and opponents entrenched in their positions over a proposal that calls for 950 housing units while transferring 80 per cent of the property to Delta, primarily for farming.
Following a brief introduction by Century Group president Sean Hodgins and presentation by architect Patrick Cotter, the first few speakers were enthusiastic
supporters, but by the conclusion of the evening session, opponents were in the majority, although that lead was slim. Many of those who spoke against the plan were Boundary Bay residents.
Many opponents wore red hats that read "No Houses" and carried small "No" signs they waved for the TV cameras. Many supporters wore yellow "Yes" stickers and some also sported customary green T-shirts.
Although both sides tried to stress their viewpoints to Delta council, the hearing, for the most part, was civil, but it did get heated at times with occasional jeers. Opponents leveled familiar arguments, including the loss of farmland, flooding concerns and traffic. Some even questioned the need for that kind of development, saying Tsawwassen is just fine.
"The plan is in totally in contrast to the handin-heart preservation rule that guides Delta's future. The proposed development would swamp this corner of Delta forever, paving paradise with a very, very large parking lot," said Duncan Holmes.
Supporters often touched on the need for greater housing variety. Saying she was forced to move out of the community due to a lack of housing choices, Shauna Nicole said she would like the opportunity to move back.
Things got heated during debate about the viability of soil-based farming on the property when longtime farmer and former MLA John Savage turned around to speak directly to those wearing the red baseball caps, saying they had no idea what they were talking about. He said he tried to farm the property but was unsuccessful due to the lack of proper irrigation and soil conditions.
The hearing continues today with sessions at the recreation centre from 3 to 6 p.m. and again from 6:45 to 9:30 p.m.
