Editor:
It is interesting to note the number of articles surfacing lately regarding "density" in our B.C. communities.
The Vancouver Urban forum stressed the need to slow sprawl and preserve natural spaces. Smaller living spaces such as the one being constructed before our eyes in the Tsawwassen mall are piquing much interest daily. At long last, "small" doesn't have to mean a little box in the sky. Agricultural vision, village character and housing mixes are being brought into focus this summer.
Yes, the subject of "traffic" is very much on people's minds in Tsawwassen, but one must realize the attention given to this on the planning of the Southland proposal. The housing aspect is geared to minimal parking, in much the same way as are so many new housing projects in downtown Vancouver.
Recent changed rules support very few parking areas per total units in buildings and that is the vision of Southlands, with ample provision for walking paths and attention to availability of public transport use.
A recent Optimist article on the graying trend emphasized the "need to accommodate people's desire to stay in the community as they age." This is so very true. As a senior, I can testify to this desire, along with many friends in the community who have resided here since the early 1960s.
Our roots are here. We've raised our families here, contributed financially and in a community endeavour to see that Tsawwassen remains the place of choice to us or by those who have come in recent years.
According to a recent Optimist article, this same "idea was conveyed in a 2012 report by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, which noted creating new housing through infill or intensification within established areas can facilitate aging in place."
It is unfortunate indeed that public backlash to this proposed growth plan has caused for so much delay. Let's get on with it, Delta council. In the name of unity, listen to your instincts that tell you what a grand opportunity this is - uniting Tsawwassen and showing Metro Vancouver what can be done.
We must not undermine the value of the science of horticulture this project brings to the community as well as the world. Tsawwassen could well be known in the future for its academic contribution in this field.
Just as the Tsawwassen steps to Tsawwassen Beach at Fred Gingell Park became a reality after a 40-year struggle, I am putting my faith in the Southlands project finally bringing the community of Boundary Bay into the fold with this exceptional plan of tying north, south, east and west areas together.
Somehow, my gut feeling is that Mayor Lois Jackson and Delta council members are going to heed the discontent of the fastest growing age group of 60- to 64-year-olds. Tsawwassen is not a hideaway any longer. Like it or not, there are no secrets in today's world.
Lula M. Reed
