By now you’ve all seen the notice from the city on how the Official Community Plan (OCP) is proposed to be changed. There has been a mandate from the province, in response to the rapid population growth and lack of housing.
I’d like my kids to someday have a home to call their own. Currently, that’s just a dream, or an unlikely lottery.
South Delta is going to change, just as it changed many years ago to what it is today. Of course, there are residents worried about this change, and for good reason.
I attended one of the open houses last week and spoke with Mayor Harvie. He attended all of the open houses to hear people’s concerns and answer questions where possible. It’s a draft plan at this point, going back for revisions based on what’s being heard, then back to us for another review.
Personally, I’m concerned about the potential for up to 24-storey buildings in the middle of Tsawwassen. That might just be the first one. As soon as the gates open, it’s hard to control, and revisions are always requested. It seems not many ‘approved’ plans end up built that way.
There’s lots of chatter on social media about it. Just search Tsawwassen OCP or Ladner OCP on Facebook and you’ll see it. Some concerns founded, some not.
Personally, I trust Mayor Harvie, council, and city staff to find the right balance between the growth we need without ruining the character of our respective communities.
Because if Delta doesn’t update the plan, the province will send their planners in to do it. And we know how well ‘that’ will go.
Brad Sherwin, MBA is a long-time resident of South Delta, and has been writing this column since 2011, closing in on his 200th column.
