Delta Chamber supports Tsawwassen Golf & Country Club redevelopment

December 7, 2007

Delta, B.C. (December 7, 2007) Having sought the opinion of members through a recent survey, the Delta Chamber of Commerce has submitted a letter to the Mayor and Council of Delta in support of the project to redevelop the Tsawwassen Golf & Country Club as proposed by Shato Holdings Ltd.

According to the survey of Delta Chamber members completed earlier this month, 75% of the survey respondents overall support the redevelopment project. In general, the respondents from Ladner are the most positive towards the proposed development, but almost 75% from Tsawwassen were also in favour.

The economic development provided by this project was seen as positive by 78% of all respondents. The survey results do reflect concerns or uncertainty, however, among a significant minority about the nature of the project and the possible outcomes related to this change for the community of Tsawwassen in terms of land use and increased traffic congestion.

“The Chamber’s Board of Directors thought we should take some sort of position on such a large project,” says Delta Chamber President Maria DeVries, “but not without consulting with our members because we are a member-driven organization. So we took this step of surveying members on their opinions, just as we did with some members last year regarding the Delsom Estates project in North Delta.”

The Delta Chamber letter says that when all the various factors of the redevelopment project are taken into consideration, this kind of project means Delta can manage the potential threat to its farmland and attractive, natural surroundings by taking a responsible, sustainable approach to increased density in and around our urban centres.

If modest growth is encouraged and young families are attracted to the community all Delta communities can retain their family orientation. More local residents already here, who have had to think about moving away to find more appropriate housing in the future can remain in the community. The increased demand for retail services and greater opportunities for business development are good for business.

The letter, sent on behalf of the Chamber by DeVries, states: “The Delta Chamber of Commerce supports Tsawwassen Golf Club redevelopment because it is an example of how local business and local government can work together to achieve a world class project. It will enhance Tsawwassen as a sustainable community and make it a more desirable place to live and do business.”

For more information, contact:
Maria DeVries, President
Delta Chamber of Commerce
Tel. 604-943-4232