As our new year gets underway and as we again get back into the grind, I thought it might be useful to offer a few glimpses of hope for the time ahead.
The U.S. government is still mired in an exercise of dealing with the excesses of the past decade. However most believe that 'falling off the fiscal cliff' is not to happen. The U.S. could lead Canada into a reasonably robust year.
Here at home - between Ladner and Tsawwassen a new road will emerge - the South Fraser Perimeter Road. Cutting a swath across rich farmland, it is a four-lane road designed to divert trucks off Highway 17.
Recently announcements include cars going from the ferry to the Fraser Valley. Vehicles coming off the ferry or departing Tsawwassen and heading to Vancouver will have about three-kilometres added to their journey as they take the SFPR to Highway 99, and then back to the tunnel to Vancouver.
We have seen a year where entrepreneurs have optioned much farmland between Tsawwassen and Ladner, some of which has been
disclosed, and where the port continues with its improvement (read expansion) plans.
Already the largest and most diversified port in Canada, it wants more space - much more.
Recently the president of the port authority declared that agricultural land should be used for port facilities.
More recently he has begun pleading for restrictions on rezoning and removing existing industrial land (where he will locate his activities) and using it for residential purposes.
If this all seems complex, you might go downtown and look for Coal Harbour - you know - where coal used to be brought in, where ships used to be repaired and where boats used to dock.
Now we might call it 'gold harbour' as the enormous increase in values of land and residential towers that have taken over that land.
Sadly, the port has sold its land in this area and not used the funds to replace the land they sold. Instead the money went off to Ottawa and then back into port expansion in Delta.
In a recent address to the Vancouver Board of Trade, the port president appealed for a plan whereby the port would have enough land to grow, expand and thrive. Through dialogue he wants to dust off an old plan for an Industrial Land Reserve - much like our Agricultural Land Reserve. On this he has the support of Richmond pioneer and Coun. Harold Steves.
In his presentation - wait for it - he said: "I do not want to develop the small amount of ALR land under our jurisdiction". WOW! Time for Delta council to start off the year on a fresh footing! Mayor and council - please call Port Metro Vancouver ASAP!
