Delta South MLA wonders who's protecting valuable farmland and habitat

There's no doubt hidden agendas are at work to destroy valuable farmland and wildlife habitat in South Delta says Delta South MLA Vicki Huntington.

Interviewed on CKNW Radio Monday, that was the gloomy message by the independent MLA, who went over a myriad of issues rapidly impacting her community.

She said she's disappointed the Tsawwassen First Nation decided to move in the direction of large-scale shopping malls.

"Not only is it this project, the mall itself, but there's a residential project envisioned that will probably develop about the same time, and they have a very large industrial component to the development that's occurring too," said Huntington.

"Obviously, a lot of people have said, 'How can you be disappointed? Isn't this a healthy move for TFN?' Of course I say, 'Yes, it is a healthy move for TFN and you can only wish them luck. It is a classic opportunity to engage in economic development and became a more independent and a healthy community.'

"But from my perspective, it is the Fraser River delta and how much more it can bear, because what is being lost in this entire discussion is that the Fraser delta, and really all that's left of the Fraser delta is Delta itself, is Delta is home to the Pacific migratory bird flyway and it is a nursery to the fisheries... my concern is, yes, it's healthy for the TFN and they have the perfect right to make these decisions, as any other municipality, but the cumulative impacts on the delta are being willfully ignored by all levels of government."

Huntington said residents are rightfully concerned because the TFN projects will substantially change Delta, as well as the TFN community.

"They are building out their own treaty lands. They are not taking their time, they are doing it very rapidly, and I would say by 2020 they basically will have no land left... the impact of that development is going to be felt not only in Delta, (but) their neighbours and regionally too."

Huntington noted the treaty would not have been concluded had land not come out of the Agricultural Land Reserve with the blessing of the provincial government.

She said that development combined with Deltaport, the proposed T2 port expansion, South Fraser Perimeter Road and a possible free trade zone, which would likely be located on farmland, are further eroding the farm base as well as habitat.

Huntington also pointed out Port Metro Vancouver CEO Robin Silvester's recent comments that the ALR would have more value as an industrial land bank as an example of how little regard there is for Delta's valuable farmland.

She agreed with talk show host Simi Sara there is a "hidden agenda" to develop it.

Huntington also noted the proposed jet fuel tank farm on the Richmond side of the Fraser River is just another "assault" on what should be the most highly protected ecosystem in Canada. She complained that no laws are in place to guarantee the protection of farmland or critical flyways for migrating birds.

Huntington said government policy has been steadily eroding the health of the municipality's ecosystem and there's nobody to protect it.

As an independent MLA, she has the freedom to raise the issues and speak out, she added.

Huntington then said Delta "is the balance" between industrial and residential development to valuable farmland and ecosystems, but no level of government seems concerned what's taking place. She said there's a moral duty to take those needs into account when trying to build the economy.

"You can not willfully destroy an ecosystem, but that's what they're doing and that's why I'm fighting."

Many of the issues she talked about during her radio interview will be discussed at the MLA's upcoming annual general meeting and town hall meeting in Tsawwassen. It will take place on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7: 30 p.m. at Tsawwassen United Church Hall, 693-53rd St.