Editor: I have been following the highly contentious Southlands public hearing in the Optimist. I am not opposed to developing the Southlands property, however, I do question Century Group's development in terms of its location.
The high density that Century Group is proposing should be in the town centre, not in a semi-rural location.
I would like to suggest the kind of density Century Group would like to build be considered for the Tsawwassen town centre by means of a land exchange.
Tsawwassen, at the south end of town, has sport fields and a swimming pool complex. At the far north end of the town centre there is an ice rink, a community centre, a curling rink, a skateboard park and an arts centre. In the centre of town there is a small performing arts centre. All of these facilities are relatively old.
I suggest that a land exchange could be an opportunity to improve the entire community while allowing the population base of Tsawwassen its much-needed growth.
I am suggesting that Century Group and the Corporation of Delta consider a land exchange. The land exchange would consist of all the existing sports/arts facilities. The sports/arts facilities should be built on the Southlands and the land that would be made available by relocating those facilities should be used for housing.
This is a simple, easy and beneficial proposal that I am sure is new information compared to what has been offered at the public hearing. The new sports/arts facilities could be built with the amenity infusion that has been proposed by Century Group.
Joan Prescesky
