Mayor Jackson cited the need for further discussion on the Southlands and announced the establishment of the Mayor's Summit on the Future of the Southlands, which will be comprised of community stakeholders. The Mayor's Summit will include all nine properties under the current proposed Agricultural Land Reserve Inclusion Application.
Details on the participants and date of the Mayor's Summit have been coordinated through the Mayor's Office.
Following the Mayor's Summit, the Public Hearing for Item No. 2 will reconvene on April 14, 2011 at the South Delta Recreation Centre.
The Mayor's full address delivered at the March 7, 2011 Public Hearing is listed below.
I would like to start by thanking you all for attending tonight's continuation of the Public Hearing regarding the proposed Agricultural Land Reserve inclusion application. Many of you were present for some or all of the three nights last week where we heard speakers on this topic, and many of you spoke or provided written submissions. I would like to also extend my thanks to members of Council and staff who sat and attentively listened to the many thoughtful comments that have been presented so far.
During the Tsawwassen Area Plan review our objective was to arrive at a new high-level plan for Tsawwassen and not to consider any specific proposal for the Southlands. Many people referred to the Southlands as "The Elephant in the Room" during that process. Additionally, at that time we had not considered a Provincial Agricultural Land Reserve designation for the lands. This current Public Hearing has therefore been the first time in recent history that the future of the Southlands has been put so squarely before the people of Tsawwassen.
Since the Public Hearing was adjourned on Thursday evening, I have had time to consider what was heard as I'm sure have other members of Council. Having listened to the public it is very clear there is no community consensus with respect to the question that is now before us - whether Delta should proceed with an application to the Agricultural Land Commission to include the lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve.
Many speakers - both in support and in opposition - spoke passionately about farmland preservation and agricultural viability. However, there was not agreement on "How we get there". Many people spoke about a farming future for the Southlands but one that does not involve inclusion of the lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve. Some speakers indicated that they may support a partial inclusion but only after more study and discussion regarding the lands. Others stated they would support nothing short of full inclusion of the lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve. Ladies and gentlemen - no consensus.
We heard that many of you believe that allowing some development on the lands could be used to ensure preservation of the remainder for farming. Revenues could be used to help offset the costs of soil and drainage improvements, and the community would have more of a say in the types of farming permitted. However, many other speakers felt equally as strongly that it is not necessary to "trade-off" development for farming and including the lands in the ALR would send a very strong message that development is not on the table. Even the farmers who spoke did not seem to speak in one voice. We heard of the challenges to farm these lands and we also heard that we cannot afford to lose one more acre of farmland in this community. No consensus.
One of the reasons this proposal is before us is the desire for consistency with other farmlands. In that regard, including the subject lands in the ALR would put them on par with other agriculturally zoned lands in Delta. Consistency with the Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy is also an important consideration. Development pressures, loss of farmland and food security are issues that extend beyond municipal boundaries and we need to be cognizant of them. However, we heard many people say that by nature of their location, these lands deserve to be looked at differently. They are isolated from other agricultural lands and surrounded by urban land uses. They are environmentally sensitive. They are a jewel in Tsawwassen and what we do with these lands will affect the community as a whole - forever.
Although there is a long history associated with these lands, I heard that many of you want to move forward rather than revisit the past. There are, however, mixed feelings about the urgency to proceed. Some feel it is high time to put this decision to rest once and for all, and without delay, by applying to put the lands in the ALR. On the other hand, many of you requested time to allow the community to fully understand the implications of this proposal and even, perhaps, to consider alternatives. And there is that "Elephant in the Room" again. Many speakers asked that Council consider the Century Group's proposal before making a decision.
No consensus.
So what do we do?
What I heard more than anything was the need for further discussion and, before moving forward with an ALR application, to see if there is any opportunity for all sides of this debate to compromise to achieve the common objective of seeing the Southlands returned to a working farm. How do we get there? It was suggested that perhaps we can get there together. I heard that there is a willingness by the parties to talk; however, the Public Hearing forum does not provide for the type of dialogue that is really needed.
For these reasons I would adjourn this Public Hearing until April 14, 2011. I propose that during the period of adjournment, I will hold a Mayor's Summit on the Future of the Southlands, which will include all nine properties under the current proposal. This summit will be a forum for discussion and debate. The objective will be to bring back a report that focuses on agriculture, but also considers the range of other perspectives heard as part of this Public Hearing to date. For this summit I propose to invite the following representatives to the table:
· myself, as Chair, and one additional member of Council;
· the Chief Administrative Officer;
· Century Group, as the major landowner, plus two representatives of their choice;
· two representatives from the community petitioners that support the ALR inclusion application; and
· one representative each from the farming community and from the environmental community.
The other two land owners would be afforded an opportunity to appear before the Summit to express their views. Staff will also be involved to assist with facilitation and to provide information and support as needed.
I would like to make it clear that this motion will not terminate the Public Hearing. The speakers list will be retained intact and the proposal to include the lands in the ALR will continue to be the matter before Council. The report and additional information which will emanate from this Summit will be presented at the Public Hearing once it is reconvened.
As your Mayor, it is my duty and responsibility to ensure that Council has in its possession all the information it requires to make a thoughtful decision on a public matter. I intend to make sure this happens by allowing this dialogue to take place.
This is an unusual step, but I believe it is a necessary one. For the purpose of a Public Hearing is to not just hear, but to listen. For the past thirty years the conflict around these lands has threatened to divide this community. It is my hope - and my challenge - that we no longer allow this to happen.
Madame Clerk, would you please announce the details of the adjournment.
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