The public hearing on the Southlands development application will head into a fifth day Saturday.
The hearing began Monday and went for three consecutive days before taking a break Thursday. It resumed Friday with its biggest audience yet, ending with many speakers left to go.
It continues today at 10 a.m. at the gymnasium at the South Delta Recreation Centre.
Friday’s session saw another large crowd of around 200 attend but the evening crowd was the biggest yet, swelling in excess of 300.
Almost 360 speakers have been called from a list of 454 who signed up so far. People are allowed up to five minutes to present their case. Once the list is completed, people will get a second chance to speak. That separate list in waiting already reached just over 50 names, although those speakers will be limited to two minutes each.
Friday afternoon saw a wide majority of opponents outnumber supporters who spoke, but the gap was much narrower in the evening session with opponents edging out those in favour.
Overall, it’s been close with opponents holding a small majority, but one resident on Friday asked what is considered a reasonable threshold to say no and whether the hearing was a waste of time.
Most of the same arguments heard the first three days over the contentious piece of land were repeated yesterday.
A few in favour of the Century Group proposal reiterated that the plan was a great deal for Delta, bringing to an end the uncertainty over the property.
Also speaking in favour was Gordon Spetifore, whose family originally owned and farmed the property. He described drainage and soil problems, noting their operations didn’t have as good yields as other farms. Farmer Brent Kelly currently farms the site, also noting problems, including losing tens of thousands of dollars recently due to flooding.
Opponents once again urged council not to approve the development proposal, saying the site can be farmed, as well as the development being in the wrong location.
Several also objected to being described as NIMBY or a naysayer. Both sides also claimed to be speaking on behalf of the majority in Tsawwassen, showing how the issue has sharply divided the community.
The Southlands site in Tsawwassen comprises seven properties with a combined area of 217 hectares (537 acres). The application involves 950 residential units in various forms and densities on 20 per cent of the site. The application also involves over 7,400 square metres (80,000 square feet) of commercial space.
The owner proposes transferring 172 hectares (425 acres) of land to Delta, amounting to 80 per cent of the site. That would be used for agriculture, natural habitat, public open space, including a market square, and greenways. In addition to land, Century Group is proposing to transfer ownership of the Alexander/Gunn House and the Red Barn to Delta.
The owner also proposes to provide a $9-million amenity contribution to improve agricultural drainage and irrigation.
The proposal also requires Metro Vancouver approval.
