Taking Action to End Violence in Relationships

December 06 - National day of Remembrance and
Action on Violence against Women

DOVE (Delta Opposes Violence Everywhere) is a committee of community agencies working together to end violence in relationships. The Dove Committee came together in 2000 and consists of multiple community agencies including; Deltassist Family & Community Services, Delta Police Victim Services, Stroh Healthcare, Diversecity, Options, Family Justice Services, Delta School District, Delta/Surrey Community Corrections, Boys and Girls Club, Ministry for Children and Families and Delta Mental Health.
This committee works in a coordinated effort to end violence in all relationships by bringing about public awareness, as well as working to minimize potential gaps or duplications of services within Delta.

The Dove Committee is one of action and members of the committee will be visible in the community as December 06 - National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women approaches.

December 01-06 DOVE Committee EVENTS:

• December 01-03 - Committee members will be hosting displays in three secondary schools in Delta in an effort to educate youth on the issues of relationship violence.

• Sunday December 05, in addition to hosting a display in South Delta Baptist Church, the DOVE committee will be receiving recognition and a special presentation from that congregation.

South Delta Baptist Church, Pastor Paul Johnson says, “As a church we recognize there are difficult circumstances faced by people in our community. We endeavor to help in prayerful, practical and meaningful ways. Supporting the work of the DOVE committee is one of many opportunities we have to make a positive impact in our community. We are pleased to make a financial contribution to DOVE from the Thanksgiving offerings that took place in our congregation through the month of October.”

On Monday Dec 6th the National Day of Remembrance, the DOVE committee will be accessible and provide resource information at a display in the Scottsdale Center ( 7100 block 120th St in North Delta) between the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 5: 00 p.m.

DOVE focuses on ending violence in relationships through;

• Awareness and education – the committee educates the community by identifying different forms of violence that exist in all relationships. Dove is proactive in reaching all age and multicultural groups via outreach at various events through out the year.

• Providing referrals, support and resources – using a holistic approach Dove explores preventative options
looking at all aspects of violence from the victim, offender, to family members. Has developed various resources focusing on safety for adults, teens, and elderly.

• Practical Action – Emergency Care Kits; created and provided to those fleeing abuse.

Last year the DOVE Committee initiated the “Emergency Care Kits” for women, men and children leaving an abusive relationship. The nature of an abusive relationship, often require those involved to relocate suddenly without notice for safety reasons. Emergency Care Kits include basic items such as toiletries to get them through a critical time. With the support of the community the DOVE Committee was able to achieve its 2009 goal of creating 150 Emergency Care Kits. There is always a need for these short term necessities, if you wish to donate various supplies please visit the DOVE website at, deltaassist.com/dove.html or contact Jill Colley at jcolley@deltapolice.ca

Lest We Forget

By Debbie McBride - Beneath cloudy skies and standing in a brisk cold breeze, over a hundred people took part in an intimate and moving Remembrance Day service at Delta Heritage Airpark. This was the fifth year Delta Heritage Airpark, which is located at the foot of 104 St. in Delta, has held a Remembrance Day service.
The ceremony is centered around the flagpole located near the grass landing strip and heritage hangers which house numerous recreational aircraft.

The start of the service is signalled by the rumbling flyover of World War II aircraft taking off from nearby Boundary Bay Airport. These Warbirds then continue on to participate in Remembrance Day services located throughout Metro Vancouver.

The service continued as words of remembrance, including the reading of In Flanders Fields, were spoken and the flag lowered to half-mast. Serving as Colour Guards were members of 655 Richmond Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets, who also provided Bugler Sgt Asheesh Jagdeo.

The haunting strains of Last Post, the observance of two minutes of silence and Reveille were all the more poignant as birdsong surrounded the diverse crowd of all ages who had come to pay their respect to and honour all those who had sacrificed so much.

Wreaths were placed in memory of All Veterans by Larry Thomson and Tony Swain and for Commonwealth Airmen by Ralph Rowe. At the end of the service a number of people placed their poppies on this wreath which was later taken to and placed at the little known Commonwealth Airmen Memorial Garden in Stanley Park.
What makes this service so unique is the time of personal reflection that is open to all in attendance. During this time people spoke of those they had known during times of war and shared their stories in a personal and touching time that isn’t possible in larger, more formal ceremonies.

The service was then concluded by the singing of O Canada led by 10 year old Isabelle Hui Bon Hoa and the flypast of the returning Warbirds and a formation flight of nine single engine aircraft from Delta Heritage Airpark.
After the ceremony all were invited to the Airpark coffee shop to partake in a chili lunch hosted by the Airpark and the Recreational Aircraft Association Chapter 85.

TAP Gate - Who's to blame for botched Tsawwassen Area Plan?

Will Anyone Lose Their Job Over Failed TAP Bylaw?

Editorial by Elvis Glazier - It's pretty rare that I wait so long to jump on a story as juicy as the failed Tsawwassen Area Plan debacle. It's taken me this long for the ramifications of “TAP Gate” to sink in and I really wanted to see the media reaction and political spin before weighing in. The bombshell announcement by Delta Mayor Lois Jackson to end the public hearing was like watching bugs scramble as the rock was lifted exposing them to the elements. Of course in this analogy the bugs are Delta's mayor, councilors, chief administrative officer, and planning staff.

I freely admit that I have been quite critical of the planning process from the onset. Having attended almost every meeting open to the public I have watched this train wreck unfold into this complete failure that concluded with the mayor conceding defeat and stopping the bylaw dead in its tracks.

But now that it’s over the question that is on everyone's minds, especially in Tsawwassen is:

Will anyone lose their job for this waste of taxpayer time and money?

Let's examine the people involved:

Councilor Bruce McDonald, TAP Chairman?

Watching Councilor Bruce McDonald chair the TAP committee was every bit as entertaining as watching 'Mutiny on the Bounty'. His committee didn't really come to a consensus in the end and there were even threats of minority reports by factions with the committee. McDonald's Captain Bligh character played perfectly as he took every opportunity to push through Delta's agenda, even though there were definite concerns expressed by the committee and alarm bells raised by residents. It became very clear (to me) early on that this plan was being conceived in a vacuum without any semblance of public input. If I were a member of the TAP committee I would be calling for his resignation from council (or at least a promise not to run again) for allowing this to happen. Defiant to the bitter end, McDonald chastised "crusading citizen groups" for hi-jacking his committee by seeking nothing more than some public input in their community's area plan. I don't know how the man who fancied himself mayor is going to survive TAP-Gate unscathed. My prediction is this will be the end of McDonald's tenure. If it isn't then my faith in the electorate teeming with” crusading citizen groups” will hit an all time low.

Mayor Lois Jackson?

The Mayor espoused her epiphany and called an end to the public hearing curiously right before her former mayoral adversary Krista Englland was scheduled to speak. The real question is how did this bylaw get this far in the first place? Is the Mayor not familiar with a plan that has been almost two years in the making. How many terms does it take to gauge public sentiment? Perhaps the Mayor was more interested in selling softwood lumber to the tropics than dealing with an area plan in the city she's supposed to serve. Listening to the Mayor applaud herself for killing the flawed bylaw borders on the ridiculous. Perhaps the better question is, how many terms does it take before you become completely out of touch with your constituency? Terminating the public hearing robbed the public of finally giving this Mayor proper public input in a legal forum. Praising yourself for suppressing the public is a political skill-set that can only be honed over time. To then say publicly that the area plan is committee work and not council work just goes to show that this council doesn’t work. Jackson’s apparent lack of interest and leadership on this issue signals to me that it’s time for her to have a serious soul search before penning her name on any future nomination papers.

CAO George Harvie and Delta City Planning Staff?

Since it seems that Jackson has abdicated her responsibility as mayor because she's been too busy playing the head of Metro and it's far easier to just let the bureaucracy run the city, we need to examine what George Harvie’s role is in TAP Gate. What influence did Harvie have in hiring city planners Tom Leathem and Barry Konkin? They were brought in to Delta with a background of doing large development projects. It is no secret that there aren’t many spots that would be remotely suitable for Surrey type of developments. With the fight for the Southlands lost, they were really only left with the town center and the area under the power lines.

In fact, Leathem and Konkin are both on the record as saying that the plan was a staff driven document and all they wanted was some resident input. The problem for them, in retrospect, is they didn't know what to do once the citizens actually took over the process because that wasn't supposed to happen. For that fact alone the City of Delta needs to re-examine what our land use policy should look like and hire staff that reflects this vision.

Council?

I recently read a retraction in the Vancouver Province that read, "The Municipality of Delta has not endorsed a plan for multi-family properties under the controversial power lines." It may be true that the municipality didn't endorse the idea, but I don't believe the same can be said for Council. This area plan was almost two years in the making followed by first and second reading and still this council voted to send the bylaw to public hearing. That is an endorsement in my view. When ,during the first two readings, did someone speak up and denounce the bylaw for even suggesting the idea of building under the power lines? I heard Councilor Anne Pedersen make an attempt at discussing it but nothing with vigour and stature. No desk pounding, filibustering, or finger wagging. Pedersen and King were either powerless or unwilling to take on Mayor Jackson and her council of DIVA’s. They have the numbers and they run council with an iron fist. I will exclude newly anointed DIVA councilor Ian Paton Jr. from blame as he has just had the good fortune of joining council, but fellow DIVA members Robert Campbell and Scott Hamilton have run roughshod over this council with the help of McDonald.

I believe a good case could be made to get rid of any number of politicians and bureaucrats involved in TAP Gate. To see such an expensive process take so long and come up with a solution so far removed from the will of the people that the entire exercise is destroyed must not be allowed to go unpunished. Will TAP Gate be the rallying point for the electorate to demand drastic change with their municipal politicians? If the electorate decides to vote against wasteful spending and shutting out the public from civic process, then I believe Delta will follow the nationwide trend and demand change.

The only question now is who, besides the taxpayers of Delta, will pay?

Traffic Stop Results in 50 Pound Seizure of Marijauna

Traffic Ticket the Least of the Drivers Worries

On Wednesday, November 03, 2010 at approximately 2:30 p.m. a Delta Police traffic officer conducting patrols in the area of 10900 blk of Kitsen Park Way observed a vehicle traveling above the posted speed.

The officer initiated a traffic stop to deal with the moving violation. On approach of the vehicle and interaction with the driver, an odor consistent with marijuana was emanating from the pick-up truck. Upon further investigation and with the assistance of a K-9 team, a large quantity of marijuana (approximately 50 pounds) was discovered in the covered box of the pick-up truck. The box of the truck had a tonneau cover in an effort to prevent detection.

The driver, and lone occupant of the vehicle, was taken into custody without incident. The 30 yr old male from Surrey faces charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance. He was later released on a Promise to Appear compelling his court appearance at a later date. The estimated street value if sold by the pound is in excess of $100,000.
The Delta Police continue to work to keep our roadways safe and drugs off our streets.

Delta Mayor and Council Take Beating TAP Hearing

Tsawwassen - The much anticipated Tsawwassen Area Plan (TAP) public hearing began last night at the South Delta Recreation center. Hundred gathered to voice there opinions on the proposed area plan that has been over two years in the making.

Throughout the process, the Southlands residential development plan had dominated the area plan. After numerous failed attempts to gauge public opinion on the matter, staff conducted an Ipsos Reid survey. The results showed that two-thirds of Tsawwassen residents opposed any development of the old Spetifore farmlands. It was this survey along with a vocal opposition by concerned citizens that predicated city staff to revise the TAP recommending that the Southlands retain its agricultural zoning.

Even with this recommendation many came out to see what would take place at the hearings. Dana Maslovat, one of the founders of Southlands the Facts thinks the plan is only the first step in protecting the land. "I think now that the Southlands is going to retain its agricultural designation council should make an application to the Agricultural Land Commission to have it returned to the Agricultural Land Reserve and settle this divisive issue once and for all."


Maslovat was the third person to address council on the proposed plan. and it was clear his sentiments were shared by the crowd.

Although a number of speakers addressed council and staff with their objections to the development of the Southlands, the majority in attendance were also very much opposed to practically every aspect of the TAP. Citizen after citizen took to the podium to announce their displeasure of the policies, and of the Mayor and council who sat there and nodded as they were drubbed over and over again with displeased constituents.

As Mayor Jackson and council listened to the citizens who spoke last night, it became apparent that public opinion is not reflected in the new TAP with respect to densification proposed for the surrounding area of the town center. The gorwth projections were challenged by the majority in attendance.

The theme of the evening became the obvious lack of community input when deciding where the proposed growth would be located. A large delegations from Camaro Drive and the Hylands owned the podium for the majority of the night, asking why council would consider a plan that would rezone their communities and force them to sell to developers. One gentleman talked about all the additions he had done to his home with permits purchased from the city, "Now I will have to leave my home and walk away from all the money I have invested." After a round of applause he added,"My land will only be worth lot value to a developer My home will be worthless."

It would appear the initial assumption that Tsawwassen requires new zoning options to allow for significant growth is not shared by the residents. It is obvious that the many citizens that attended the public meeting do not see large growth as necessary or wanted.

The last time the Tsawwassen Area Plan was put to the public it resulted in the longest public hearing in the history of the British Commonwealth. That was over 20-years ago when the Southlands was slated for development. From all accounts of people who had been in attendance two decades ago, this hearing was far more civilized.

The only conflict of the night was when former councilor and Hyland resident, Wendy Jeske filibustered well over her allotted 5-minutes (close to 15-minutes) while local activist Carol Vignale jumped up and down wildly in the back of the room screaming, "Boo, Boo," and going on to shout,"this is not democracy!" before storming out of the building in disgust. Jeske's impassioned, and extended, plea was well received by the audience and the Mayor herself didn't interrupt.

By the end of the evening close to 40 people had spoken with many more to be heard tonight.

Armed Robbery at Tsawwassen Gas-Station

Police Scour South Delta for Armed Suspect

News Desk - Tsawwassen was the scene of a police manhunt after an attendant at the Chevron on 56th Street and 12th Avenue was the victim of an armed robbery.

Police were quick to attend the scene and cruisers cordoned off 52nd and 56th Street, effectively cordoning off all escape routes from town. From behind police tape you could observe the attendant being questioned by the officers on scene. A Police dog was also deployed to the crime scene.

Upon questioning, police officers would not give any answers to what was happening, but one officer implied that they were searching for a robbery suspect.

The robbery took place around 8:30pm when a man entered the station demanding the attendant hand over all his money. It is still unknown whether the robber actually produced a firearm, but another staff member who started work this morning said the man had a gun tucked in his waist. "Police told us to close up," the attendant said, "they were more concerned about a man with a gun at large than the small amount of money that was stolen."

His co-worker, a young girl in her early twenties, added "My parent's have lived here a long time. They have never heard of things like this happening here. Between this and the drive by shooting up the street a couple of months ago I don't know what's going on here."

Police have yet to release a statement about this incident, but reaction on the street has people wondering just how safe they are. Morning coffees at the Tim Horton's were accompanied by many people speculating about what took place. The general feeling is one of bewilderment about a big city type of crime here in sleepy Tsawwassen.

Person of Interest Focus of Szendrei Murder Investigation

Delta Police may be close to identifying a 'person of interest' in the brutal daytime murder of 15-year old Laura Szendrei.

At a media conference held this morning, police spokeswoman Sargent Sharlene Brooks revealed that hundreds of tips from the public may have led to the identification of a suspect in the teen homicide. Police have yet to contact the person.

Although the police are still unable to confirm whether this crime was targeted or random they have concluded that the recent pepper spraying incidents are in no way linked to the attack on Szendrei.

Using Mackie Park as a backdrop for the conference, Brooks hoped the setting would help jog peoples memories and hoped the public would continue to provide the DPD with any information regarding the attack, asking "anyone in Mackie Park who may have seen or heard anything suspicious please call police."

Police are investigating over 350 tips received from the public and have looked for patterns linking recent attacks on women jogging and walking alone to establish if there are any links with Laura's assault. The DPD advises people to walk in groups, don't wear headphones, and be completely aware of your surroundings.

Mackie Park is being completely reopened to the public, but Brooks stated that this investigation is not being scaled back. Currently there are close to 55 officers active on this case and more may be called in to assist.

Police are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed this attack to come forward. If you have any information regarding this crime please call Delta Police at (604) 946-4411

Winners of the Best Green Photos Contest of Summer 2010 Announced!

Alouette River at Dusk by Kyle Falconer

Delta, BC – Greener Steps Sustainable Living is proud to announce the winners of its first annual Greener Steps Photo Contest held throughout British Columbia.

This year’s theme was the ‘Best Green Photo of Summer 2010’ and the first prize was claimed by Kyle W. Falconer of Pitt Meadows, B.C. Kyle submitted a beautiful photo of Alouette River at dusk.

The Greener Steps Photo Contest is the idea of Greener Steps founder and Delta resident Alex Sangha. The contest aims to generate greater public interest about the environment, sustainability and greener living, through a series of thematic photo contests.

The contest generated a lot of public interest and drew in over 43 quality photo entries from locations as far as Harrison Hot Springs, Duncan, Nanoose Bay, Buntzen Lake, and throughout the Lower Mainland.

The 2010 Summer Contest was sponsored by local companies Metropolitan Aromatherapy and Kiss My Flash Photography, both well known eco supporters.

A panel of judges were selected from the Greener Steps Team to shortlist finalists who included website developer, Evanson Bess, of Webbchief Internet Solutions.

Catherine McLaren of Kiss My Flash Photography was brought onboard to help with the final decision making.

“We are very excited about the response and the support from the community in our inaugural contest. We hope next year the contest will be even bigger and better. And of course a special thanks goes out to our sponsors Metropolitan Aromatherapy and Kiss My Flash Photography whose support was invaluable, and to all those who participated”, says Alex Sangha.

Dragonfly on Blackberries by Mia Paisley

Mia Paisley of Maple Ridge captured second place with her photo of a dragonfly resting on a blackberry bush.

Ryan Rose of Surrey captured third place with his photo of Hyland Park in Newton. Ryan Rose was also the recipient of a $400.00 photo shoot or photo workshop from Kiss My Flash Photography. This prize was randomly drawn from all the entrants in our first ever Greener Steps Photo Contest.

Hyland Park by Ryan Rose

Says Ryan, “I'm 17 years old, who just graduated high school and took media arts in grades 11-12. I'm hoping to get into Emily Carr University of Art and Design to get my BFA and major in photography. All my photography skills where self-taught ...Nature/environmental photography is important as it can really show how beautiful the Earth really is, and in contrast it can also show how ugly our Earth is. It always keeps our eyes open though ...”

The winners all received a Greener Steps Certificate; cash prizes of $200, $100 and $50 respectively; the chance for their photos to be displayed on the Greener Steps website; and $100 gift certificates from Metropolitan Aromatherapy. Each winner also received Greener Step’s latest offering: Greener Steps Biodegradable Ballpoint Pens made from 99% organic materials.

Greener Steps is already preparing for next year’s contest in Fall 2011, which will run from September to November of the same year.

For media and company sponsorship opportunities contact Alex Sangha at info@greenersteps.com or visit their site at www.greenersteps.com

Sustainable Immigration

Is There a Right Mix?

By Alex Sangha - An effective immigration policy can lead to a renaissance of ideas, initiative, and investment throughout Canada.

The five pillars of an effective immigration policy can include strategies to fill labour shortages; attract investor immigrants; reunite children and families; provide humanitarian relief for people escaping persecution; and help populate and develop socially and economically depressed areas.

My principle of “sustainable immigration” basically means that Canada should aim for the right mix of the above five pillars to maximize the net benefit to the country while taking into consideration the needs of the global immigrant community.

The recent boatload of Tamil refugees leaves Canada in a delicate situation. The Canadian government needs to apply its immigration policy equally and fairly for all refugees without damaging its international reputation as a caring and compassionate nation.

The tone coming from the Harper government is playing on racist elements in society and is not helping the situation.

Canada after all is a country largely built by immigrants. The early European settlers all arrived here by boat just like the Tamil refugees.

In order to reduce public opposition to the arrival of the Tamil refugees, the South Asian and Tamil community in Canada can sponsor the refugees.

The upwards of $50,000 that was paid by the Tamils on the ship and their families, most likely from abroad, should have been paid to the Canadian government to process legitimate immigration applications and help with the transition of the refugees into Canadian society.

The root source of the problem is that there is an inequity of resources and opportunity in the developing world. People want to leave to find a better life.

The solution is to help the developing countries improve the quality of life of their citizens. Canada can play a role in improving systems of democracy, justice, human rights, multiculturalism, and social infrastructure such as universal health care and public education.

The basic needs and fundamental rights of people all over the world have to be protected, enshrined, and guaranteed in international treaties and enforced by local laws.

The idea of the sovereign nation state with the power to make or break any laws it wants opens the door to absolute corruption. Countries need to abide by a set of internationally agreed upon rules and regulations if we want to see some peace on this planet and stability on the immigration front.

Canada and Australia are a couple of the relatively wealthy and developed countries that have a huge territory and small population. They can absorb many more immigrants.

We need visionary leaders to come up with new ideas.

Canada can develop new well-planned, eco-friendly, hi-tech cities.

These cities can have no cars except hybrid taxis, electric buses, and emergency vehicles; support a vibrant local organic food market; implement extensive reduce, reuse, and recycling programs; and be located in beautiful, natural scenic settings with ample parkland, forest, mountains, beachfront, lakes, and harbour areas.

Vancouver is close to this ideal and it is not surprisingly one of the most livable and beautiful cities in the world. It is better to plan beautiful sustainable cities and let the people come settle instead of responding with piecemeal measures to control an expanding city with no overall or coherent design.

In other words, lets prepare for an influx of immigrants and population growth in Canada before social, economic, and political conditions in the world deteriorate and more and more people want to immigrate to Canada.

Where there is a will, there is a way. The immigrants will find one way or another to escape to better off lands whether legally or illegally!

The right mix of immigrants in Canada can lead to a larger domestic market and increased independence from the United States.

The added diversity to the population also helps Canada build social, cultural, economic, and political ties with the immigrants’ mother countries.

Immigration, helps, Canada be more globally competitive and be representative of the people of the Earth.

Alex Sangha is a Delta Resident and Registered Social Worker in BC. He is the Founder and President of Greenersteps.com For column ideas contact alex.sangha@deltafreepress.com

Signs Signs Everywhere There's Signs

Delta Election Signs - Ladner Trunk and Highway 17

By Elvis Glazier - It has been said that the land in Delta is so fertile that if you stick a toothpick in the ground there will be leaves on it by morning. As the summer break draws to an end, the crop of election signs are starting to fruit. They have been springing up everywhere. A colouful collage of election signs with bold names and catchy slogans to feed Delta voters.

Sign crews work quickly and diligently, often in the dark of night, jockeying for the best locations to entice the electorate. The hot spots in Delta's public areas fill up quickly leaving very little space for late-comers. Then, before you have time to blink, they're gone. Another election over and the landscape is returned to it's natural state.

This year crews are working doubly hard to keep their candidates signs up. Not only do the candidates have to comply with bylaw and engineering crews taking down their signs, this year there has been a rash of vandalism trashing the placards that line the city streets. The vandals don't seem to be as gentle with the signs as the engineering crews who lay them down and call the candidates.

Signs knocked over at Hwy 17 and Ladner Trunk

Earlier this week I had a chance to speak with Delta CAO George Harvie about the signs. "There are bylaws in place and each of candidate is provided with guidelines. We (the city) haven't done any sign removal yet but crews will be out," said Harvie before directing me the the city clerks office for more information. A call to city clerk Angila Bains gave me far more insght into the rules regarding the placement of election signs then any normal citizen should have. There are municipal bylaws that govern placement of signs on city land and deal with blocking views, especially at intersections, and placement in relation to other signs. Then there are provincial guidelines that deal with the provincial right of ways like Highway 17.

It's not uncommon to lose a few signs to vandalism during an election. The only difference is that this year the carnage seems to be far more prevalent, especially in the south, and no candidate is immune as all candidates have had their signs attacked. Many destroyed so badly they cannot be salvaged. And while no one knows who is responsible for these willful acts there have been a few stories of goodwill amongst the sign crews who have erected their rivals signs while doing their own. And while the candidates may disagree on many things there is still hope that, in the end, we can all work together.

Meet Sylvia Bishop

As part of the 2010 Delta Free Press Candidate Challenge each candidate was asked to fill out and return a questionnaire covering some of the issues and questions that the citizens of Delta are facing right now. There are eight candidates vying for a single seat in the upcoming by-election. Here is the second set of answers returned.

Name: Sylvia Bishop

Why are you running for city council?

I have lived in Delta for over 40 years and have seen a lot of changes, some good and some not so good. I am concerned about the lack of open vigorous debate at council, the direction of land use policies and the preservation of Delta's unique characteristics.


What do you feel you offer the citizens of Delta?

Integrity. Commitment. Energy. I have been outspoken on the issues people care about, such as the preservation of the Southlands farmland and the South Fraser Perimeter Road. Together with many other Delta residents, I worked to collect signatures for the anti-HST campaign. I am a hard worker, willing to pitch in and do what it takes.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing:

North Delta?

The destruction of the Sunbury/Annieville neighbourhood because of the construction of the South Fraser Perimeter Road cannot be underestimated. People I have talked to worry about increased traffic volumes in their neighbourhoods and the lack of adequate upgrading of infrastructure, particularly in the northern portion of North Delta.


Ladner?

The potential developments announced by the Tsawwassen First Nations will impact the neighborhoods immediately adjoining the Tsawwassenlands. Ladner's unique historic downtown core must be preserved in the face of pressure to increase density and height.


Tsawwassen?

The potential development of the Southlands is the single most important issue for Tsawwassen. The land should be returned to the ALR and at the very least, retain its agricultural zoning. The increased population and traffic development would bring, would forever change the community. The pressure on infrastructure and protective services such as policing and fire fighting would make us all vulnerable.


Delta as a whole?

Anticipated population growth in Metro Vancouver means Delta will see increased pressure to accommodate our 'fair share'. We must have the right development, in the right place, at the right time for the right reasons.

Further, Delta's many resources: its people, its location, its land must be considered in an overall plan to advance our assets while retaining our unique character.

Tsawwassen Area Plan

Tsawwassen is currently in the midst of an area plan review. As your first order of business as a city councilor it is likely you will have to vote on an updated plan. The most contentious issue in the Tsawwassen Area Plan is the proposed development of the Southlands by the Century Group.

Do you support some residential development of the Southlands? * (Required)

NO

As a councilor would you vote to rezone this property from its current agricultural designation to allow residential/commercial development on the property? * (Required)

NO


Explain:

It's farmland. Agrologists agree with the right irrigation, drainage and soil amendments it could be Class 1 or 2 farmland. When farmers own land, it's farmed. When developers own land, it lays fallow until people think it is of no use. We need local farmland for food security, sustainability and to support a new generation of farmers.

What is your view of the South Fraser Perimeter Road?

* (Required)

It is backward thinking. It is a 1950's model of transportation and relies on fossil fuels. It is also the wrong route as it destroys wildlife habitats and established neighborhoods together with farmland and forests.

We must address truck and container traffic volumes in another way. A different route was proposed but ignored.

We should be using forward thinking modes of transport such as electrifying railways, barging and fuel efficient vehicles.

In Region Waste to Energy

Mayor Lois Jackson has gone on record supporting an in region waste to energy facility be built in Delta.

Do you support development of a waste to energy incinerator in the Delta region? * (Required)

NO

Explain:

We should be aiming for zero waste and working with the manufacturing sector to change packaging. We have not achieved maximum recycling curb site pickup as in other areas of Metro Vancouver. I am not convinced the science of waste to energy incineration and the particulites created are harmless. Our air shed is already polluted as it makes its way up the Fraser Valley.

Personal

What is your favorite food? Halibut, local potatoes and Westham Island strawberries for dessert


What is your favorite movie? The Replacements


What is your favorite place in Delta?

My home and garden. The backyard is an oasis of privacy. I love to garden so there are an abundance of shrubs and flowers blooming throughout the seasons. We have fruit trees and berry bushes to harvest. All the neighborhood cats come by for a bite to eat.

What is the last book you read?

The Omnivore's Dilemna

Who is the one person who you admire most?

My mother

Why?

Annasusanna, Susie for short, left her native Germany and followed her new husband to start a new life in Vancouver. She hardly could speak english and arrived with little money or possessions. With sheer determination she built a wonderful life together with my dad. She would be the first to admit a little luck helped along the way. The lessons of making something from nothing, frugality and strong work ethic are not lost on me. She had a great sense of humour and was the life of the party.

Optional

Who are the major contributors to your campaign?

I am. Followed by many friends and concerned fellow citizens who believe in me. My campaign relies on many people making donations instead of a few large donors representing special interests.

If you don't win in this by-election do you plan to run in the general election in 2011?

YES

Meet Kathleen E. Higgins

As part of the 2010 Delta Free Press Candidate Challenge each candidate was asked to fill out and return a questionnaire covering some of the issues and questions that the citizens of Delta are facing right now. There are eight candidates vying for a single seat in the upcoming by-election. Here is the first set of answers returned.

Name: Kathleen E. Higgins

Why are you running for city council?

I'm running for Delta Council because I believe I can help Delta face its present challenges. I am convinced that, by making wiser use of existing residential land in Delta, we can better protect farmland and natural areas, attract more first time home buyers to Delta and increase our tax base, so that Delta can more easily pay for services and infrastructure.

What do you feel you offer the citizens of Delta?

I offer the citizens of Delta my expertise, dedication and new ideas. My 2009 submission to the Delta Housing Task Force could be the beginning of a trend toward building smaller homes on smaller lots-- renewing Delta, both visually and demographically. I've lived in Delta for over 35 years. My husband and I have raised our family here. I've worked as a lawyer, a journalist, and a community activist. At present I'm the office manager for 3 of my older children, the award-winning country music band, The Higgins. I have a history degree and a law degree. I understand the challenges facing Delta and am convinced I can help Delta meet those challenges.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing:

North Delta?

Lack of affordable housing is an important issue for North Delta. Large single family homes and new luxury townhomes are beyond the reach of most first time buyers. People want more choices in affordable housing than just small apartments and secondary rental suites. Allowing empty-nesters to turn their large empty homes into strata title homes, as has been allowed in Shaunessy and North Vancouver, is worth considering for Delta. Encouraging home owners to replace aging ranchers with 3 smaller homes, rather than one large home, is worth considering, especially if one of the 3 is a maintenance-free retiree's unit. To protect farmland and natural areas and to increase Delta's tax base, Delta needs to explore new ideas for home ownership.

Ladner?

There are many issues facing Ladner. Declining school enrollment that lead to school closures is one. To address this challenge we need to attract young families to Ladner with innovative home ownership options. The truck traffic from the Delta Port expansion is another issue that impacts Ladner. The disruption of farmland around Ladner as the South Fraser Perimeter Road is built on the present route is an important issue. If Southlands is approved, the extra traffic that would be generated would negatively affect Ladner residents. The need for funding from other levels of government to carry out dredging in Ladner Harbour is an important issue. The need to renew the downtown core in Ladner is also an important issue.

Tsawwassen?

The Southlands issue is the biggest challenge facing Tsawwassen at present. I am in favour of putting Southlands back into the Agricultural Land Reserve. The negative impact of Delta Port Expansion is another issue. Declining school enrollment is another important issue and, as in North Delta and Ladner, I would propose encouraging the building of smaller homes on smaller lots as one way of attracting more young families to Tsawwassen. If large lots could be subdivided by the owners themselves rather than by developers, this would allow the owners to sell part of their lot at a more reasonable price. It would allow retirees to sell part of their lot to their grown children, and still remain in their own neighbourhood as they age.


Delta as a whole?

Other levels of government have not paid sufficient attention to preserving quality of life in Delta. Mega-projects from higher levels of government like the Delta Port Expansion and the South Fraser Perimeter Road show that Delta is seen more as a transition point, rather than a respected community. Delta needs to make its voice heard to other levels of government. Delta needs to use its existing residential land more wisely and create smaller homes on smaller lots in order to attract more young families to Delta, to keep retirees in Delta and to increase its tax base.

Tsawwassen Area Plan

Tsawwassen is currently in the midst of an area plan review. As your first order of business as a city councilor it is likely you will have to vote on an updated plan. The most contentious issue in the Tsawwassen Area Plan is the proposed development of the Southlands by the Century Group.

Do you support some residential development of the Southlands? * (Required)

NO

As a councilor would you vote to rezone this property from its current agricultural designation to allow residential/commercial development on the property? * (Required)

NO


Explain:

I favour putting Southlands back into the Agricultural Land Reserve. It would be an extremely negative precedent to allow this prime agricultural land to be turned into residential land. It's better to use existing residential land in Delta more wisely, gradually increasing the number of home owners by building smaller, more modest homes on smaller lots and subdividing large lots, where appropriate, than to allow the huge development of Southlands to proceed.
South Fraser Perimeter Road
The provincial government has officially announced the construction of the South Fraser Perimeter Road. This 40 kilometer four lane highway will cut through Delta connecting Delta Port with Highway 1.

What is your view of the South Fraser Perimeter Road?

* (Required)

I favour using trains and/or barges to move container traffic out of Delta rather than using trucks to transport container traffic and building the Sough Fraser Perimeter Road. If the highway for trucks is to be built, however, there are at least two other routes that could be used, which would not impact Delta farmland and Burns' Bog so negatively. I would promote the tunnel option or the Hoover Naas Option in Delta Council and try to highlight the negative environmental and social factors of the present SFPR route.

In Region Waste to Energy

Mayor Lois Jackson has gone on record supporting an in region waste to energy facility be built in Delta.

Do you support development of a waste to energy incinerator in the Delta region? * (Required)

YES

Explain:

In studying the science of energy from waste, there seems to be much less air pollution and leeching involved with an energy from waste plant located in Delta or Gold River, compared to filling thousands of trucks with garbage so that the garbage can be driven hundreds of miles to a large dump, such as at Cache Creek. I do support vigorous recycling policies and the eventual goal of zero waste. Until then, however, if waste can produce jobs, relatively clean energy and revenue for Delta instead of costing millions of dollars every year, we should consider the advantages of energy from waste.

Personal

What is your favorite food? Everything except squid

What is your favorite movie? Lord of the Rings

What is your favorite place in Delta?

I don't have just one favorite place. The beaches, dykes, farms, parks, Nature Reserve and forests in Delta are all wonderful. We took our children to Centennial Beach so many times while they were growing up, so that is definitely one of my favorites. Watershed Park could be an international tourist destination if more people realized how beautiful it is. I remember taking our children to Deas Island Park when they were little to pick black berries; it's a wonderful place for a family picnic. Delta could become an eco-tourist destination with just a little more promotion.

What is the last book you read?

To Africa with a Dream

Who is the one person who you admire most?

Olga Marlin

Why?

In the late 1950s, just before Kenya gained its independence, Olga Marlin was one of several women who moved to Kenya with the goal of starting the first Kenyan inter-racial and interdenominational school. Olga showed generosity, strength and solidarity with the poor when she left everything behind in her own country of Ireland in order to help people in a developing country. I admire her big heart.

Optional

Who are the major contributors to your campaign?

The contributors to my campaign are friends and neighbours. They were moved to donate to my campaign because they liked my 2009 Delta Housing Task Force submission and believe my ideas can help make wiser use of existing residential land, create affordable home ownership options for first time buyers, give more housing options to retirees, and generally help improve Delta.

If you don't win in this by-election do you plan to run in the general election in 2011?

MAYBE

Public Not Welcome at Development Workshops

By Debbie McBride - I’ve noticed lately that Delta Council’s Monday night meetings are getting not just shorter but also lacking discussion at the table. Bylaws and policies are no longer being discussed at length as they were in the past. Yes, those discussions could be boring but they afforded the electorate an insight into what their representatives are thinking and how they were reaching their decisions. That is no longer happening.

The aha moment for me was during the public hearing called to deal with changes made to the original Tsawwassen golf course redevelopment. At a previous council meeting that dealt with 1st and 2nd reading of the proposed changes, a comment from Councilor King was made about how nice it would be to have a public outdoor ice skating rink that would be available during the winter.

Since there was no previous mention of a skating rink in the information given to the public about this, I was not alone in my confusion as to what she was talking about. It seems the comment came as a result of a previous discussion that had been held between the proponents, Delta council and staff at a work session. A work session which, Ron Toigo told us quite rightly, members of the public could have attended. However, it’s difficult for the public to attend work sessions they don’t know are taking place.

So just what is a “work session” you may ask. These are meetings that take place between various parties, especially developers, Delta staff and Delta council. They usually take place in the afternoon before regular council meetings but can be held at anytime. Discussion is held between the parties about a proposed development or bylaw. They are open to the public and are not an abnormal part of municipal business and are used by councils everywhere.

Minutes or notes are not taken at the meetings because it’s not a formal session that deals with motions, etc. It’s here that I feel Delta is abusing the system in a manner that is precluding the general public from the proper process that will allow them to know the details of these projects. Details are being kept from the public simply because not everyone can attend these afternoon work sessions and if they could the public would be hard pressed to find out just exactly when, where and subject matter of these sessions. Could this be just want Delta mayor and council want?

What’s really disturbing about the way Delta is using these work sessions is the fact that while developments – both large and small – are being discussed in great detail at these work sessions, public notification is poor and no minutes are taken. That leaves the public without a valid record to review what is being discussed unless they were actually in attendance.
It seems these afternoon work sessions have become defacto council meetings without the benefit of true public scrutiny or record. And they are happening more and more frequently.

On July 26, council held a work session with Earth King Industries. On Delta’s website there is only a memo from planner Tom Leatham saying the work session had been requested by Earth King and it was taking place to discuss what kind of development was allowable on the agricultural land owned by Earth King at 64 Ave, bordering Burns Bog. This, despite Delta declaring a moratorium on any development applications for land identified as being in the green zone in the Metro Livable Region plan. Delta had only recently returned a development application to Earth King for this same piece of property along with Century Industries’ Southlands application. So what gives? Could the fact that Earth King was a very major contributor to Mayor Jackson’s, Councilors McDonald, Hamilton, Campbell’s last campaign give cause for special consideration? I’m just asking the question. You decide.

No minutes or notes were taken, so there is no record of what was actually discussed. However, I was told by a Delta staffer that the meeting had been held at the request of Earth King and despite council’s “policy” of not accepting development applications on agricultural land until the Metro plan is finished, a development proposal was indeed discussed and discussion will continue in another work session on August 30.

Since so much information is being received at these daytime meetings and so much weight seems to be given to what’s discussed there needs to be a way the public can be observers and judge for themselves what is being discussed. At the very least, the public needs to be aware such meetings are taking place. As it stands now, in order to find out about work sessions, one needs to go personally down to Municipal Hall and check at the desk. Why on earth these meetings, which are usually scheduled 2 to 3 weeks in advance, are not placed on a prominent and easily accessible place on Delta’s website defies explanation.

Why can’t Delta set up a camera in those meetings and record them for broadcast on the web? Indeed, why shouldn’t all of Delta’s public meetings be recorded and broadcast on their website? It doesn’t need more than a static camera and a microphone in all the meeting rooms to make an acceptable audio/visual feed that would allow the public to observe what is going on. Excuses about the cost of setting up such a system are absurd and simply an attempt to deflect the subject at hand. That subject being, the public’s right to see what their elected officials are doing for the public.

Yes, these work sessions have a place in the business of running the municipality and yes, they’ve been happening for years. Here’s the difference between now and the past.

Delta council had effective councilors like Krista Engelland, Vicki Huntington and even at times the late George Hawksworth, who would bring the issues and minutia for discussion at the council table. Heck, even those I didn’t agree with caused discussion around the table that the public could hear and see. That’s how it should be.

Today’s council table consists of 2 very timid newbies who seem to be afraid to question anything and acquiesce all too easily the “elders” on council. It has become obvious that all we have representing us are a bunch of yes men and women who either are in over their heads and don’t understand what’s going on or have a set agenda that doesn’t involve public input.

Indeed, this was shown only too well when Councilor King decided not to vote on the changes to the Toigo project because she felt there would be a conflict of interest in her vote. How was this ethical move met by Delta Mayor and other councilors? A visit to the Delta lawyers, an admonishment and a slap on the hand instead of the back. That’s what happens with this Delta council when one of its members doesn’t march in lock step with their agenda.

The Tsawwassen Area Plan fiasco and the insistence on pushing garbage incinerators over public objections are only two items. Ladner residents are being ignored when their concerns with density and services are raised, Burns Bog is used as a bargaining chip and residents are of North Delta are left to blow in the wind when the Provincial government decides to destroy a neighbourhood so their buddy Gordon Campbell can push his precious highway through an historic neighbourhood. Let’s not forget who jumped on the Gordon Campbell bandwagon during the last provincial election.

We have a chance in the upcoming by-election to least open the door and elect someone who is on the resident’s side. Yes, we need to elect a new councilor who is willing to push back and not be afraid to question the powers that be at Delta Hall. Someone who won’t find it inconvenient to do the people’s business in front of the public. Frankly, that someone is Sylvia Bishop, the only one who is not beholden to big developers or afraid of standing up and taking a contrary view and won’t be bullied by those who would keep the goings on at City Hall way from the public’s eyes and ears.

After all, the public’s business should be exactly that. Public. Too bad our current mayor and councilors have forgotten that.

Oil BP Parody

Plzen Brewery Czech (Picture)

“Climate Action Now” Banner (Picture)

Pilgrims Unite (Picture)

Vander Zalm Anti HST (Picture)

Next Stop Auschwitz (Picture)

Ladner Market (Picture)