We are happy to announce that Delta Council approved Third Reading of Century Group’s Southlands Project with a 6-1 vote on 8 November 2013. Mayor Lois Jackson and five Council members gave the Southlands proposal not only their support but a strong endorsement. Councillor Ian Paton, also a local Delta farmer, described the proposal as “an unbelievable deal” and explained at length the benefits that Southlands would provide for agriculture in Delta. Mayor Jackson said of all of her years on Council, this project was “the most astounding” offer she had ever seen from a developer.

It was evident from their comments that Delta Mayor and Council have given this project much thought and consideration and came to recognize its merits and the many benefits that the Southlands will provide to all of Delta.

Along with Mayor and Councils endorsement of the project there was also strong support for the project from local Delta Residents. Over the course of the 5 day public hearing many residents ranging from local business owners to young families, retirees and local farmers got up to speak about the benefits of the 80% land contribution to Delta and the much needed housing options that would be built on the remaining 20% of the land.

Of all the speakers, the most engaging were the three local farming families that spoke about the substantial difficulties and great financial risk associated with farming the Southlands over the last 100 years.  After sharing their knowledge and experiences of farming the Southlands, every family strongly endorsed the Southlands Proposal and stated that the Southlands plan would be the best thing for local farmers, farming and the residents of Delta.

It is the input of these farmers and the many other Delta residents over the last seven years of public dialogue and community engagement that have helped shape the Southlands plan into the innovative project it is today.  A project that activates farmland, preserves wildlife habitat, connects a community and provides much needed housing options for Delta.

After seven years of working on the Southlands plan, Century Group and its President, Sean Hodgins could not be happier with the outcome of the official Public Hearing and the community support for the Southlands proposal.

This approval is a huge step for the project but not the final one.  From here, Delta Mayor and Council will carry the proposal forward to Metro Vancouver.  We promise to keep you informed as things move forward.