Tsawwassen's mall developments a smart move for community

Posted January 30, 2012 08:00 AM by Peter E. Simpson, President & CEO, GVHBA    

NIMBY: Not In My Backyard.

BANANA: Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything.

NOPE: Not On Planet Earth.

Those three anti-development acronyms surface occasionally in communities across the country, including Tsawwassen, where it seems there is always someone grumbling about growth issues - despite the fact many parts of the world would welcome a boost to their economy with open arms.

For example, a year ago there was much angst expressed about a local landowner's proposal to build 1,900 homes on one-third of 538 acres, while the remaining two-thirds of the parcel would be dedicated to community parks and farmland. Sounds to me like a win-win situation. But this issue is not resolved, as some residents want to raise the drawbridge to keep out development.

Recently, more Delta residents joined the chorus, this time slagging Tsawwassen First Nation's plans to build two shopping malls on 180 acres, which together will include 1.8 million square feet of retail space - 20 major retailers, and nearly 200 smaller shops, restaurants and kiosks. The first shovel is expected to turn the earth this summer, while the grand opening is scheduled for mid-2015.

Having no say over development of neighbouring first nations land has upset some South Deltans. Although they are entitled to express their strongly held opinions, the last time I checked, the land is not theirs. It belongs - down to the last stick and stone - to the Tsawwassen First Nation. Period.

Frankly, why would they expect to have a say in the decisions of a neighbouring local government such as the Tsawwassen First Nation? The good folks in North Delta have no say in business dealings across Scott Road in Surrey, and South Surrey residents have no voice in White Rock development.

One detractor even had the temerity to utter this derogatory comment to a reporter. "I call it a race to the bottom - shopping malls destroy natural areas and, inside, wages go down until they bring in foreign workers." I even emailed the reporter, requesting confirmation of the quote. I received it.

This xenophobic foreign-labour remark is an affront to decent, hard-working folks everywhere. My dad was a foreign worker who, in 1951, toiled daily at two jobs - scrubbing noxious mixing vats at a paint factory on the afternoon shift, then sweeping floors at a second factory on the night shift.

And compared to first nations people, aren't we all foreign workers?

I have been told that many Delta residents are looking forward to the development, so they will no longer have to drive many miles to the nearest mall of any substance, which is in Richmond.

The malls are expected to attract out-of-area customers, and possibly from the nearby ferry terminal. Moreover, market research has demonstrated the development will increase visitation to businesses in "downtown" Tsawwassen and Ladner as the community becomes a new shopping destination.

Delta residents - from teens to active seniors - will be able to secure employment close to home. The development will generate 1,200 person-years of construction employment. And the stores, restaurants and other businesses are expected to employ 4,500 full-and part-time workers.

Future development will include industrial and commercial zones, new homes of various forms, and recreation facilities, creating even more employment. It promises to be a complete community where families can live, work, play and shop. That's a positive, healthy environment on so many levels.

Project managers claim there will be a strong commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability practices during the construction and operation of the property. To reduce the project's overall impacts, the building shell will be built to inter-nationally recognized LEED green standards.

First nations across Canada are known for developing first-rate projects, and partnering with competent, experienced individuals and corporations to ensure success. A key operations partner in the Tsawwassen development is Ivanhoe Cambridge, a respected leader in this specialized field.

Elsewhere, other examples include Nk'Mip in Osoyoos, North America's first aboriginal owned-and-operated winery; Spirit Ridge, South Okanagan's only 4.5-star vineyard resort; and Alberta's River Cree Resort and Casino, which features two hockey rinks and a nine-storey, 255-room hotel.

Looking south, the Choctaw tribe is the fourth largest employer in Mississippi, while the White Mountain Apache in Arizona has developed economic success with interests such as forest products and recreation.

That said, poverty and joblessness among aboriginals in Canada and the U.S. are sad facts of life. During the last homeless count in Surrey, for example, 95 of 388 were of aboriginal descent. Leaders like Tsawwassen Chief Kim Baird are doing their best to break this demoralizing, destructive cycle.

Job-generating projects such as those proposed by the Tsawwassen First Nation should be applauded, not condemned. And the NIMBYs, BANANAs and NOPEs should get over themselves.

Categories: Building