The latest census figures are out and, to no one's surprise, Delta is once again near the bottom in terms of population growth. Our numbers grew by 3.3 per cent over the last five years, a far cry from the double-digit increases experienced in many other parts of the Lower Mainland.
So, is this modest growth a good thing or a bad thing? I guess it all depends on who you ask.
I suspect most people are proud, or at least aren't terribly bothered, by the fact we're down near the bottom along with the North Shore and White Rock (incidentally, that's pretty nice company to be keeping). People have chosen to live here presumably because they like the area, so it stands to reason that most wouldn't want to see it materially altered.
There is, however, that old axiom about those not moving forward are the ones going backwards. If things always stay the same, one day you turn around and realize you're living in your grandparents' house, complete with that fashionable floral wallpaper and a wall full of National Geographics.
There is a necessity to change, at least to some extent, so as not to be left behind. And that's where I see Delta today.
This is far too nice a place for any significant alteration - and given the constraints of the Agricultural Land Reserve I don't see how that would be possible - but that doesn't mean there's not room for changes that could, gasp, bring more people to the area.
When the census gets around to breaking down housing by dwelling type, I suspect Delta will lead the way in the percentage of single-family homes.
There's not necessarily anything wrong with that distinction, but it does limit a community's demographics and its ability to include people of all ages and income levels.
Growth for growth's sake, which is happening all over Greater Vancouver, rarely has a desirable outcome, beyond the obvious goal of giving more people a place to live. I don't see where that type of development has much of a place here.
Growth that makes the community better, well, that's a whole other ball game. When it brings greater housing options and previously unavailable amenities, all the while not compromising the existing quality of life, then it makes sense to embrace it.
The challenge obviously is to decipher what's beneficial and what's not. Growth is not only inevitable, it's necessary, but we must ensure what comes down the road maintains the enviable community that's been created here.
