Committee Votes 8 to 1 to Protect Southlands From Developer

By Elvis Glazier - The Tsawwassen Area Plan committee has recommended that Delta’s municipal council retain the current agricultural designation on the Spetifore Farmlands now known as the Southlands and adopt it as such into the official community plan. The committee met yesterday evening for a final discussion on how the recommendations in their report would be presented to city council.

The meeting had to be diverted to the main council chambers to accommodate the influx of people wishing to attend. The contentious nature of the proposed Southlands development has been a rallying point for the battle hardened citizens of Tsawwassen. Land developer, Sean Hodgins was in attendance as the committee deliberated over the parcel of land that his family has held for over 20 years.

A unanimous consensus couldn’t be reached as one member of the committee spoke out against maintaining the current agriculture zoning. Helen Kettle, who served on the Century Groups community planning team, was alone in voicing her concern that people in favour of the development weren’t being represented in the document. In the end it was agreed that staff would add a disclaimer to the policy statement:

“The Southlands: The existing Tsawwassen Area Plan has policies related specifically to the lands known as the “Southlands”. It is recommended that the existing land use designation of AGR be retained for these lands. (added)A consensus on this policy issue was not reached among Committee members.”

"While it is certainly a positive step forward, it is unfortunate that a single dissension results in a statement about a lack of consensus,” said Dana Maslovat, co-founder and spokesperson of the group Southlands the Facts. “Another section of the TAP was not unanimously supported but no statement about lack of consensus was put into the Committee report."

The Tsawwassen Area Plan Committee may have one more gathering prior to being struck but their heavy lifting is done. The document will now be prepared by staff and presented to Delta council on August 30th for ratification. It is expected that the public hearings will take place sometime in the early fall.

Southlands Designation to be Decided at Meeting Tonight

Delta Staff members have released a draft of the new Tsawwassen Area Plan (TAP) that will be discussed and ratified at a final Committee meeting tonight (Thursday, August 19, 7:00 pm, Annacis Room, City Hall), including policies regarding the future use of the Southlands.

Although the TAP recommends agricultural designation be maintained for the Southlands, it notes that this statement may be amended after the August 19th meeting due to several members of the Committee encouraging residential development on these lands.

Results from the Ipsos Reid survey commissioned by Delta Council in June of this year showed clear majority support (62%) for maintaining the designation of the land as agricultural. It is expected that there will be a large public turnout for this final TAP Committee meeting.

“Given the clear direction from the community at all stages of public consultation, I cannot understand why this issue is still being discussed,” stated Dana Maslovat, one of the organizers of Southlands the Facts, “Although I am optimistic the right decision will be made and Southlands will remain agricultural, it appears that some members of the Committee are trying to push their own agenda rather than representing the will of the people.”

The potential re-designation of the Southlands agricultural land to accommodate a housing development is by far the most contentious component of the process undertaken to revise the existing Tsawwassen Area Plan. Any re-designation will change the Official Community Plan and open up the Southlands for a 1900 unit housing development by Century Holdings. This piece of farmland was the cause of the longest public hearing in Commonwealth history and a resident run plebiscite in 1989, which prevented a 2000 unit development that was proposed for the same property.

DVD Releases Tuesday August 17, 2010

This Week's Top Pick:
The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008 -- South Korea), director Kim Ji-woon, a master of modern horror thanks to "A Tale of Two Sisters" and "3 Extremes II," turns to pure, high-octane thrills in this wild take on Sergio Leone's Clint Eastwood classic "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly." Set in 1930s Japanese occupied Manchuria, tells the story of three Joseon mounted bandits who get their hands on a treasure map, only to be pursued by the army of national independence, who believe that the outlaws have a map for a new railway to be built by the Japanese army. One of the most expensive films ever made in South Korea; from IFC Films and MPI Media Group


THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Big Money Rustlas (2010) Shaggy 2 Dope, Violent J, Tom Sizemore, Jason Mewes, Ron Jeremy, Brigitte Nielsen, Vanilla Ice, Todd Bridges. In the Wild West town of Mudbug, Sheriff Sugar Wolf arrives to confront an over-the-top villain, deranged gambler Big Baby Chips. (Psychopathic Records, Vivendi Entertainment and Fontana Distribution).

Black Orpheus (1959) Winner of both the Academy Award for best foreign-language film and the Cannes Film Festival's Palme d'Or, Marcel Camus'" Black Orpheus" (Orfeu negro) brings the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice to the 20th-century madness of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. With its eye-popping photography and ravishing, epochal soundtrack, "Black Orpheus" was a cultural event, kicking off the bossa nova craze that set hi-fis across America spinning. Two-disc set with new, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: Optional English-dubbed soundtrack; archival interviews with director Marcel Camus and actress Marpessa Dawn; new video interviews with Brazilian cinema scholar Robert Stam, jazz historian Gary Giddins, and Brazilian author Ruy Castro; "A la recherche d' 'Orfeu negro,'" a feature-length documentary about "Black Orpheus's" cultural and musical roots and its resonance in Brazil today; theatrical trailer; booklet featuring an essay by film critic Michael Atkinson. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).

Burning Bright (2010) Briana Evigan, Charlie Tahan, Garret Dillahunt. A thriller centered on a young woman and her autistic little brother who are trapped in a house with a ravenous tiger during a hurricane. Extras: Introduction by actress Briana Evigan, "Forces of Nature" special effects featurette. (Lionsgate).

Ca$h (2010) Sean Bean, Chris Hemsworth, Victoria Profeta. Sam Phelan and his wife Leslie are facing financial problems to pay their mortgage after a period of unemployment. While driving his old Buick below an overpass, a case falls onto the hood of the car and he finds $600,000 inside. Sam and Leslie quit their job; pay their mortgage; buy a Land Rover; and refurnish their house. But a vicious criminal who had disposed of the money before getting arrested sends his killer brother after the couple to retrieve the ill-gotten gain. Extras: "The Making of Cash" featurette, commentary by director Stephen Milburn Anderson. (Lionsgate).

Cemetery Junction (2009) Written and directed by Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant. Stars Felicity Jones, Matthew Goode, Christian Cooke, Tom Hughes, Jack Doolan, Ricky Gervais, Ralph Fiennes, Emily Watson. '70s England is in full swing as three outcast friends find themselves drinking, joking, fighting and chasing girls, while dreaming of escape from their blue-collar hometown of Cemetery Junction. Freddie is a salesman suddenly thrown onto the fast track when he gains the attention of his boss; torn between a prior life of partying with his friends and the promise of a brighter future, life gets more complicated when the boss' daughter becomes the focus of Freddie's affection. Extras: Commentary by co-writers/co-directors Gervais and Merchant; commentary by Cooke, Hughes and Doolan; behind-the-scenes featurettes "The Directors: A Conversation with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant" and "The Lads Look Back: The Stars Discuss Cemetery Junction"; deleted scenes; blooper reel; more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds movieIQ+sync and BD-Live; featurettes "Seventies Style: Production and Costume Design," "The Start of Filming," "Week 1," "Meet the Boys," "The Directors On Set," plus a bonus "Snow Dude" Easter Egg. (Sony).

The City of Your Final Destination (2009) Anthony Hopkins, Laura Linney, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Omar Metwally, Hiroyuki Sanada. After winning a grant to write a biography of the Hispanic author Jules Gund, an Iranian-American student must travel to Uruguay and convince the family to give him permission. He finds more than he expected when he meets the writer's brother (Hopkins), wife (Linney) and mistress (Gainsbourg). (Screen Media Films).

Cougar Town: The Complete First Season (2009-10) Three-disc set with 24 episodes, $39.99. Extras: Bloopers, deleted scenes, "Taming Cougar Town" featurette, "Ask Barb," "Jimmy Kimmel Live: Saber-Tooth Tiger Town," "Stroking It With Bobby Cobb" series. (Disney).

Dark and Stormy Night (2009) Daniel Roebuck, Jennifer Blaire, Dan Conroy, Brian Howe, Fay Masterson. A loving lampoon of the classic "old-dark house" thrillers. Set in the 1930s, this Larry Blamire-directed film begins with the family of the deceased (and very rich) Sinas Cavinder gathered for the reading of his will in a gloomy old mansion, complete with secret passageways, portraits with the eyes cut out and, of course, a gorilla. They soon find themselves being murdered by a mysterious hooded phantom, while two fast-talking rival reporters compete for the story (and do some backstabbing of their own), somewhat hindered by the frightened Brooklyn cabbie who brought them and just wants his "toity-five cents." Extras: Cast and crew commentary, behind-the-scenes featurette, more. (Shout! Factory).

Dexter: The Fourth Season (2009) Four-disc set with 12 episodes, $49.99. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Paramount).

Father Knows Best: Season 5 (1958-59) Five-disc set with 38 episodes, $34.99. (Shout! Factory).

Four Seasons Lodge (2009) Haunted by the past but driven by an unquenchable passion for living, an aging group of Holocaust survivors gathers each summer at an idyllic hideaway in the Catskills, where they savor tightly bonded friendships, find new love and celebrate their survival. Extras: Personal stories of survival, Hymie's story, deleted scenes, the director on making the documentary. (First Run Features).

Furry Vengeance (2010) Brendan Fraser, Brooke Shields, Matt Prokop, Ken Jeong, Angela Kinsey. Extras: Deleted Scenes, "The Pitfalls of Pratfalls," "Working With Animals: A Portrait of Ken Beggs," gag reel, commentary by director and cast. Also available as Blu-ray/DVD Combo Disc. (Summit Entertainment).

Friday Night Lights: The Fourth Season (2009-10) Three-disc set with 13 episodes, $29.98. (Universal).

The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008 -- South Korea) Director Kim Ji-woon, a master of modern horror thanks to "A Tale of Two Sisters" and "3 Extremes II," turns to pure, high-octane thrills in this wild take on Sergio Leone's Clint Eastwood classic "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly." One of the most expensive films ever made in South Korea. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (IFC Films and MPI Media Group).

L'enfance nue (1968) The singular French director Maurice Pialat ("Loulou," "A nos amours") puts his distinct stamp on the lost-youth film with this devastating portrait of a damaged foster child. We see Francois (Michel Terrazon) on the cusp of his teens, shuttled from one home to another, his behavior growing increasingly erratic, his bonds with his surrogate parents perennially fraught. In this, his feature debut, Pialat treats this potentially sentimental scenario with astonishing sobriety and stark realism. With its full-throttle mixture of emotionality and clear-eyed skepticism, "L'enfance nue" (Naked Childhood) was advance notice of one of the most masterful careers in French cinema, and remains one of Pialat's finest works. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: "L'amour existe," Pialat's 1960 short film about life on the outskirts of Paris; "Choses vues, autour de 'L'enfance nue,'" a 50-minute documentary shot just after the film's release; excerpts from a 1973 French television interview with Pialat; visual essay by critic Kent Jones on the film and Pialat's cinematic style; video interview with Pialat collaborators Arlette Langmann and Patrick Grandperret; booklet featuring an essay by critic Phillip Lopate. (The Criterion Collection).

The Last Song (2010) Miley Cyrus, Greg Kinnear, Bobby Coleman, Liam Hemsworth, Hallock Beals, Kelly Preston, Stephanie Leigh, Nick Searcy. Extras: Set tour with Bobby Coleman, Miley Cyrus music video "When I Look at You," making of the music video "When I Look at You" with Miley Cyrus. Available as a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack, which adds alternate opening sequence: "The Church Fire," deleted scenes, commentary by director Julie Anne Robinson and co-producer Jennifer Gibgot. (Disney).

The Lost Skeleton Returns Again (2009) Fay Masterson, Brian Howe, Andrew Parks, Susan McConnell, Jennifer Blaire, Dan Conroy. In this clever, over-the-top sequel to "The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra," which brilliantly spoofed no-budget sci-fi movies of the 50s, old friends and new enemies schlep into the Amazon jungle in search of yet another rare element, Jerranium 90. This bigger, better, bonier Round Two ups the ante with some nifty special effects and a dynamic musical score, while retaining the original's hilariously deadpan performances as well as director-writer-actor Larry Blamire's trademark loopy dialogue. Extras: Cast and crew commentary, behind-the-scenes featurette, more. (Shout! Factory).

Madeline's Halloween & Other Spooky Tales (1993) Five episodes from the animated series based on the popular children's books: "Madeline's Halloween"; "Madeline and the Mean, Nasty Horrible Hats"; "Madeline and the Mummy"; "Madeline and the Haunted Castle"; and "Madeline and the Spider Lady." $12.99. (Shout! Factory).

One Tree Hill: The Complete Seventh Season (2009-10) Five-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.98. Extras: Unaired scenes, featurettes, gag reel, commentary. (Warner).

Orlando Special Edition (1993) Tilda Swinton, Billy Zane. Writer-director Sally Potter's groundbreaking, Oscar-nominated and visually stunning film, based on Virginia Woolf's gender-bending novel "Orlando: A Biography." A witty, dream-like period piece with lavish sets, stunning costumes and cameos by Scottish pop singer Jimmy Somerville, of Bronski Beat, and English writer and queer cultural icon Quentin Crisp, author of "The Naked Civil Servant." "Orlando" is the story of a journey through time, spanning over four centuries, first as a man, then as a woman, as Orlando moves from the era of Queen Elizabeth 1 to the turn of the 19th century. Extras: Commentary by Sally Potter; featurettes: "Orlando Goes to Russia," "Orlando in Uzbekistan," "Jimmy Was an Angel"; Venice Film Festival press conference, interview with Sally Potter. (Sony).

Prodigy: An Unauthorized Story on Tiger Woods (2010) Documentary on the legendary golfer, $14.98. Extras: Four featurettes. (Infinity Entertainment).

Sorority Wars (2009) Lucy Hale, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Faith Ford,Amanda Schull. A college freshman who has been groomed from birth to continue her mother's legacy by joining the Delta house decides to pledge their rival, the Kappas, creating an all-out rivalry and fight-to-the-finish competition. (RHI Entertainment/Vivendi Entertainment).

Spring Fever (2009 -- China) Wang Ping's wife suspects him of adultery, so she hires Lou Haitao to spy on him and discovers that her husband's lover is a man, Jian Cheng. Luo Haitao and his girlfriend, Li Jing, form a torrid love triangle with the male lover, marking the beginning of a journey into the confines of jealousy and obsessive love highlighted by asphyxiating sultry nights of physical abandon that exalts the senses. Winner of the Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival. (Strand Releasing).

Ugly Betty: The Complete Fourth and Final Season (2009-10) Four-disc set with 20 episodes, $39.99. Extras: "Betty Bloops," deleted scenes, "Betty Goes Bahamas," "Mode After Hours," Webisodes. (Disney).

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

Delta By-Election Candidate Challenge Begins

Eight candidates will be vying for the City of Delta council seat left vacant by the late George Hawksworth. A steady stream of candidates filed their nomination papers with the city clerk's office over the last two weeks. The final candidate waited until the last moment to complete her paperwork. The nominations are not official until the until the 23rd of August. The candidates have until the 20th to withdraw and challenges can be made against nominations until the 17th. Although the nominations aren't technically official until the city clerk makes her declaration on the 23rd the campaign is underway.

The eight candidates consist of Sylvia Bishop, Sandeep Pandher, Kathleen Higgins, Amy Ghuman Sara, Maria Devries, Ray Robinson, Ian Paton, and Peter Harms.

Thus begins the 2010 Delta Free Press Challenge. As the candidates campaign for your votes, we have decided to add some excitement to what is typically a lack-luster event. I have chosen to vet the candidates in three steps.

1. A questionnaire was made available earlier today to all the candidates to fill out (results will be published as they arrive)
2. An interview of each candidate to drill down their platforms and get to know the person.
3. On August 24th, at the all candidates meeting, candidates will be judged on their performance.

Right after the debate I will announce a winner.

The winner of the challenge will be presented a $200 campaign donation, a prime lawn sign location, free advertising and an editorial endorsement from the Delta Free Press.

And if that isn't enough, the winner will also receive my vote.

Elvis Glazier
Editor-in-chief

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.