Century Group's contentious Southlands proposal has been given the green light as Delta's city council has voted in favour of the developer's proposal for the Tsawwassen property.
Mayor Lois Jackson and councillors Ian Paton, Robert Campbell, Scott Hamilton, Jeannie Kanakos and Bruce McDonald all voted in favour. Sylvia Bishop was the lone councillor to vote against the proposal.
The proposal will now have to go to Metro Vancouver for approval to remove the land from the Green Zone.
Century's application includes 950 residential units in various forms and densities on 20% of the site, housing stock that's aimed at young families and downsizers.
The proposal also has over 7,400 square metres (80,000 square feet) of commercial space. Century Group is also proposing to construct a connector road through the property, which would extend from 3rd Avenue and Boundary Bay Road to 4th Avenue and 56th Street.
Having owned the property for over 20 years, the company proposes to transfer 172 hectares (425 acres) to Delta, amounting to 80% of the site. This would be used for agriculture, natural habitat, public open space including a Market Square and greenways. In addition to the land, Century is proposing to transfer ownership of the Alexander/Gunn House and the Red Barn to Delta.
The decision by Delta council comes after five days of public hearing last week followed by another several days for residents to make written submissions.
Century Group also proposes to provide $9 million to improve agricultural drainage and irrigation as well as lease back approximately 18.7 hectares (46 acres) from Delta for small-scale farming. The remainder of the agricultural land that would be transferred to Delta would be leased for larger-scale, soil-based farming.
