Google Maps image with red line showing 56th Street in Tsawwassen
Intro: In this article Peter Van der Velden points out density, and transportation challenges facing Tsawwassen as big new proposals come forward for residential and commercial developments. He points out that Tsawwassen is isolated from the rest of Metro Vancouver in terms of geography and transportation services, looks at the impacts of proposed developments on road traffic on the main access road into town, and concludes with several recommendations for policy makers.
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Time to rethink Tsawwassen road access before more development in Southlands and downtown (by Peter van der Velden)
GROWTH VS PROGRESS
As with all communities in Metro Vancouver, Delta is experiencing growth. Decisions by council have been made for densification and two large developments of 900+ units are under way in the Ladner and Tsawwassen area.
It’s always interesting to see where people place themselves in community discussions around these issues. The reality is that most of us are interested in community well-being as well as general quality of life. Naturally, how we qualify or achieve those issues is where we tend to differ. And that can become the basis of disagreement.
The development of residential as well as industrial plans are putting stress on farmland in Canada’s finest climate zone. This is cause for interesting dialogue in the community. There are people that support growth and naturally there are those that oppose the growth, or, at least, the speed of this growth.
Growth brings with it all manner of issues not the least of which is infrastructure needs, cost and adequacy. Are there enough schools, is policing adequate and will the road system, sewer and water supply handle the new requirements?
Similarly, growth can be seen as beneficial. Business looks forward to the possibility of expansion and a successful growth of the supply of goods and services. A strong economy can sustain a community through hard times. It can support employment and community facilities which all add to quality of life.
Business in downtown Tsawwassen and Ladner has been hurt by the build up of the new Tsawwassen Mills Mall. As a result, Council is more seriously looking at densification to assist local businesses to improve commerce in these two areas of Delta.
In terms of traffic infrastructure this brings about a serious concern for both Ladner and Tsawwassen.
Recent development in Ladner has caused serious parking problems along 47th Street. Visibility at intersections has become difficult as a result. This will continue to get worse. For both pedestrians and vehicles, it will be the cause of accidents and frustration and affect quality of life. All of these ‘symptoms’ are created by ‘growth’. However, growth as such does not present progress.
IN TSAWWASSEN, ALL TRAFFIC PRESSURE GOES TO 56TH STREET Continue reading
“Transport Canada wants to hear from key partners and stakeholders, including Canada Port Authorities, Indigenous groups, provincial and municipal governments, industry; academia and experts; and associations/groups that have a particular interest in port activities.” (Image and caption credit: Transport Canada website)
B.C. Legislature 
Laundromat. Photo not selected by IntegrityBC. 
Delta-Richmond Council of Canadians is pleased to confirm the first screening of a new documentary, Watershed Guardians of the Fraser River, and hope you will extend invitations by forwarding this email to your distribution list. Producer/director, Jocelyn Demers, will be on hand for discussion along with local individuals and organizations featured in the 68-minute film. Q&A with audience will follow.