ContacteditorIanJacquesvia email: ijacques@delta-optimist.com or call 604-998-3616
Homeowners facing Fraser River tunnelimpacts
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg
yarm ati@delta-optimis
t. co m
Deltacouncil has once again argued its case for a secondexit fromLadner Representatives withTransportation Investment Corporation, on behalf of the Ministr y ofTransportation and Transit, on Monday provided council withanupdate onthe George Massey Tunnel replacement project.
DonaldTrapp, executive project director, Fraser River, and Peter Argast, executive-director ofthe Major Projects Branch for Ministr y ofTransportation and Transit, went over timelines, ongoing Hwy.99upgradesandpreparator y construction works.
But thepresentation was also another opportunity formembers ofcouncil to urge theprovince to include a River Road overpass, withthe city this week releasing the findingsof a consultant commissioned by Deltaconcluding the overpass would be a vitalinfrastructure component.
Council was toldtheproject “would notpreclude” future construction of one, andthat theprovince is currently in discussions with Delta staff.
Otherconcerns raised during the presentationincludethe impacton farmlands
The eight-lane tunnel will be composed of six tunnelelementsthat will be fabricated on Deas Islandandtrans-
The province selected a design-build contractor last yearandconstruction is scheduled to commence in 2026. It is to be open to traffic in 2030, subject to receipt ofanenvironmentalassessment certificate andother regulatory permits.
A dedicated multi-use pathway that will allow walking and cycling willalso be part ofthenew structure, but the application’s referenceconcept still does not includethe River Road overpass.
Costing approximately$4.15 billion, theFraser River TunnelProject is subject to a provincialenvironmental assessment process, which included
another roundof gathering feedback this summer.
The province notesthat the EnvironmentalAssessment Office (E AO) will includethe City of Deltaas a consulted party onthe construction environmental management planand include requirements to mitigate noise and vibration.
An earlier Delta staff report notes that, in general,the city is supportive of thenew tunneland is encouraging theprovince to expedite theproject to minimize impacts to residentsfromthe construction period.
That report also notes thatmost proj-
ect constructionactivities will generally occur within a 10-hour period during the daytime, with limited activities occurring during thenight.
Pile driving is expected to occur over two, five-month periods in the first two years ofconstruction.
Vibrator y pile-driving will be prioritized over impact pile driving where possible to reduce noise levels, the report notes, adding that mobile construction equipment will be fitted with silencers.
The us e of nois e walls is a propos ed mitigation strategy that is expecte d to lower nois e levels at nearby residences
The report also warnsthere is no reference in the application to property value impactsof noise fromconstruction ortheoperation ofthenew tunnel.
“Staffanticipatea significant impact onproperty values in the River Woods neighbourhood during theconstruction period and beyond, withthe highway being closerthan itis currently and the long construction period they will have to endure.
In the city’s comments to the EnvironmentalAssessment Office, staff have reiterated the city’s previous request fortheprovince to offer purchase of River Woods homes in compensation fortheconstruction and future operational noise impacts,” the report adds.
Tsawwassen traditional language now onstop signs
Wants
public to see and hearlanguage
PHILMELNYCHUK
pmeln yc huk @d elta-optimis t. co m
A new word inanold language is nowon stop signs on Tsawwassen First Nations (TFN) lands,a testament to the nation’s past.
“This change is about so much more thantraffic signs,” said Kayleigh Meredith, managerof language and culture.
“Language is at theheart ofwho we are as Tsawwassen people It carries our teachings, our worldviews and it connectsusdirectly to our ancestors and to this land,” she said online
The stop sign shows how to say ‘stop’ in Tsawwassen’s traditional language
“Every time you see this word on a sign, remember it’s not just telling you to stop. It’s reminding usall that Tsawwassen people, language and culture are alive and strong,”
ARE YOUFEDUPWITH STUBBORN
Meredith said. “These new stop signs are more than a traffic signal, they’rea powerful symbolof language revitalization, identity, and reconciliationin action,” TFN said on Facebook
Comments online were generally supportive withmost saying motorists will recognize the sign, thoughitdoesn’t display the word “stop.”
“Shouldn’t be too confusing. A red octagon ispretty universal,” said one comment.
But another comment said people cannotunderstand the language whenit’s expressed inthe phonetic alphabet, pointing out that Canadians have beenusing English spellingsof Indigenous words formore than a century
Meredith saidthey were getting lotsof requestsforthecorrect pronunciation and explains inthe Facebook video how to say the word syllable by syllable.
Tsawwassen First Nations communications team may also produce a video explaining thecorrect
way to say Tsawwassen.
“There area lotof peopleasking about thepronunciationof our nation.
“That’s what we’re hoping is to put out more videoswhere people can just see the language and hear it being spoken.”
According to the First Peoples Cultural Council, linguisticorthographies, or language systems, are based onthe International Phonetic Alphabet(IPA),thealphabet used by linguists to uniquely represent the sounds ofthe world’s languages.
In B.C., linguisticorthographies generally use local formsofthe Americanist variant oftheIPA.
The First Peoples Cultural Council also says that the Quw’utsun’ Hul’q’umi’num’ of Vancouver Island have chosen a practicalalphabetwhich uses only letters found onan English keyboard,plusthe apostrophe.
“This ensuresthat their language can be written, type d, and us ed in email with ease,” saidthecouncil.
Following thedeparture of Donny van Dyk, wholeft to take on the roleintheCity of Vancouverandthe appointmentofdeputy city manager Marc y Sangrettakingonthe roleasactingcity manager,councilannounced last weekthat Peter Weeberis Delta’s new city manager.
Sangret willcontinue as acting city manager until Weeber beginshis tenure Nov. 17.
In a news release, the city says that Weeber is an accomplished municipal leader withmore than two decadesofexperience in boththe public andprivate sectors.
He has served as chief
administrativeofficer in several communities across B.C., most recently withthe Cityof Vernon, wherehe advanced major housing initiatives, modernized planning frameworks, andled construction of the $136-million Active Living Centre.
“I amexcited to join the Cityof Deltaand partner with Delta council and staff to deliveron council’s vision forthe community, including investing in modern facilities and amenities that meettheneedsof residents today and into the future. I look forward to supporting Delta in delivering theseprojects while strengthening the city’s long-term growthand success,” said Weeber “I’mgratefulforthe opportunity to have served thisincredible community. Overthe
KyndredSelfAdvocates Gregory and Ashleyleda presentation at theInclusion BC Conference in Richmond thissummer.
past year, Vernon has made real strides advancing long-term plansand delivering on issuesthatmattermost to residents The City of Vernon is powered by dedicated, for wardthinking professionals who care deeply about this community and its future. With a clear vision and a solid foundation, Vernon is well-equipped forcontinued growthand success.”
Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming said while it is disappointing to se e We eberleave, the city is gratefulforthe strong, strategic, entrepreneur ial leadership he brought to the city.
“O n behalfofcouncil, I want to thank him for his contr ibutions and wish him continue d success withthe City of Delta,” said Cumming.
Pleasejoinusincelebrating CommunityInclusionMonth this October,which celebrates theachievements of peoplewithdevelopmentaldisabilities.
At KyndredCommunity Living Society, ourselfadvocatesare at thehear tofeverythingwedo, andthey provideinput on everythingfromday-to -day activities to ourmissionandvision andstrategic plan.
RCMPHighwayPatrolstill onthelookout
PHIL MELNYCHUK
pmeln yc huk @d elta-optimis t. co m
Bikers seem to begettingthe message somehow. Though theystill have lots to learn.
Accordingtothe RCMP B.C. HighwayPatrol,motorcycle deaths so far this yearareat afive-yearlow,with27 riders dead,comparedto48this time last yearand ahighof54deaths for allof2024.
Ofthat 27,morethanhalf, 16 riders, diedinJulyand August
Whileit’s nowOctober, policeareremainingfocused on the two-wheeledset with teamsin variouspartsof the province.
TheDeltaarea also hasaB.C. HighwayPatrolteamonthe lookoutonhighways99and17
“Speed is the single-biggest contributingfactor,with impairmentanddistraction closebehind. That’s whywe’re renewingenforcementinthe nextmonthas the ridingseasondraws to aclose,”said Cpl.
•Buyinga smallerbikethatis morefun at slower speeds
•Concentrateonbettercornering,braking andslow-speed skills ratherthan high speed
•Takeadvanceridertraining
•Ride soberandcompletely focusedonthe road
•Ifridingina group, donot trytoimpress yourfriendsand ride at thepaceoftheslowest bike
•Gotoaracetrackfor racing practice
Deltasurpasses housing target for latest reportingperiod
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg ya rm ati@delta-optimis t. co m
The City of Delta hasonce again surpassed itshousing target.
That’s according to the latest Housing TargetProgress Report discussed at councilthis week, covering the period from Oct. 1,2024, to Sept. 30,2025.
Anannual requirement by the province, the staff report says thecity has surpassed the required target overthe period by achieving 585 netnewhousingunits.
The report notesthat 633 occupancy permits were issued, includinga townhouse project on48th Avenueand152 unitsof seniors affordable rentalhousing on54A Streetthathas helped the city work towards the rentalunitaffordability guidelines set out inthe Housing TargetOrder.
Whendemolition permitsare taken into consideration,that resulted in585 netnewunits.
However, duringthe reporting period, 50 applications totalling 303proposed housing units were withdrawn by applicantsfromthedevelopment
approvalsprocess, the report adds
The report goeson to note several challenges, including how demolition permits represent the start of a development, but it can be years before an occupancy permitisissued forthe project Undertheprovince’s Housing TargetOrder and reporting format, the city cannotcount newconstructionunitsuntilthey are completed and readyfor occupancy.
Delta was among thefirst group of cities to receivea housing targetfrom the provinceinthefallof2023.
The Ministry of Housing announced at thetimethat Delta’s housing target was 3,607newunits, representingthe number ofnetnewunitsneeded to meet75 percent ofthe totalestimated need
That figure was theminimum numberof newly completed unitsfor Delta withinfive years, ending Sept. 30,2028.
Delta’s previousprogress report last fall,covering the periodbetweenOct. 1,2023, to Sept. 30,2024,noted thecity completed 561 newunitsofhousing overthe period, exceeding thetarget of 514 set by theprovince.
Published every
Thursdayby the DeltaOptimist, adivisionof LodestarMedia
Inearly October, thecitysaw theDelta Hospitalemergency room closed to thepublicforthe fourthtimethisyear.
Theunacceptablelevelsof supportforthe hospitalis borneonthebacks of abroken health-caresystemthat theprovincial government says itistrying to fix ,althoughthe resultscontinue to sayother wise.
In response, theCityofDeltaisinvestigatingsettingupitsown urgent andprimary care centre.
Andwhilethemove is laudable,itshould alsobea non-starterfor ourcityofficials.
Health care istheresponsibilityoftheprovincialgovernment andshouldnot be the responsibilityofthecity,andinturn,thetaxpayers ofthiscommunity.
Thecity’sresponsibilitytoitscitizens should be thebasiccore issues –improving infrastructuretoensureproperly maintained roads,sewerand water, as wellas maintaining ourparks and recreationfacilities.
Building abettercommunity canimproveyourlifeaswell
We’re proud ofthequalityoflife we enjoy in
CanadianPublications Agreement #212490
Thursday’scirculationis 17,500 Thispaperismadeof40% recyclednewsprintandprinted using vegetableinks
The Delta Optimist is amember oftheNationalNewsmedia Council,whichisanindependent organization established to deal withacceptablejournalistic practices andethicalbehaviour.If youhave concernsabouteditorial content,please contacttheeditor at:ijacques@delta-optimist.com or call 604-998-3616.Ifyouarenot satisfied withthe responseand wish to file aformal complaint visitthe websiteatmediacouncil. ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163for additionalinformation.
Asit standsnow, Delta hasproposeda 2.9 percentpropertytaxhike. Canyou imagine what that taxhikewould be if youaddedpayingforanurgentorprimary care centre operated by thecity?
Andwhataboutalltheothercommunities inthe LowerMainland?Arethetaxpayersof thosecommunities goingtobeasked to dip into their wallets to helpimprovetheircommunity’shealthfacilities?
Neighbouring communities such as Surrey and Richmond,whoseresidents mayhave to accessaserviceorvisittheER at Delta Hospital,aretheysomehowgoingto be asked to pay afee?Theanswerisno, so whyshould Deltataxpayersbeexpectedtofootthisbill?
Theissueof ourbrokenhealth-caresystem issquarely at thefeetoftheprovincial government.
It’s timefor Health MinisterJosieOsborne, Fraser Health,Delta NorthNDPML ARavi Kahlon,whocontinues to be silentonthis issue, to stepup,andprovide Deltacitizens withthehealth-careresourcesthat ourgrowingcommunityneeds.
Tsawwassen, butitdidn’t happen by chance.Our community thrives because people care.Teachers, coaches,first responders, communityleadersand volunteers work hard to make adifference ever yday becausetheybelieve increatingapositivefuture.
If you wish to rollup your sleevesand create more positivity in ourcommunity, oneofthemostrewarding waysto contributeisby joiningaserviceclub.
When Ijoinedthe Rotar y Clubof Tsawwassenmore than adecadeago,Idiscovered howmuchone group ofdedicated people can accomplish together.
Asthe clubnearsitsfourth decadeof service,there’sa renewed senseofpurpose and synergy in ourwork.
Afterconductinga community needsassessment for seniors, we’vedirected supporttoorganizationslike
Community Comment
Heron Hospice,KinVillage, Elder College and Delta StrokeRecovery Society. We’vealsostrengthened ties with youth-servingpartnerssuchasReachChild and Youth Development Society, South Delta Secondary, Boys &Girls ClubsandBC&Alberta Guide Dogs,investing inthe nextgeneration. Ourmembers have gone astepfurther,leadinginitiativesthat connect peopleand revitalizeourshared spaces.
Oneteamisbringing for ward asignificantcommunityproject to council focusedonconnection
andaccessibility.Another grouphas launcheda HealthyLivingClub,linkingRotarians with residents who want to stay active andcombat isolation,an issueidentifiedthrough our research.
This week, we’llhost brainhealthexpert Terr y Small,drawingmorethan 100 attendees to learnhow to keep ourminds resilient andengaged.
Whoisbenefittingthe mostfromallofthisactivity? It just mightbethe Rotarianswho have discoveredwhatsciencenow confirms -thatsocialconnectionand purposeare powerfuldrivers ofhealth and happiness.
In acommunitythere’san incredible reservoirof skill, compassion,and wisdom waitingtobeshared. Service isoneofthemostpositive waysto “build”community, and yourself.
Thereare many service clubsandnon-profits seekingvolunteers.Joinin. Make adifference. You’ll be amazed at what it gives back.
LAURA DI XON
Letters
Health-care systembroken
Editor :
Thank you to Delta counciland our South DeltaML A forcontinuing to advocate for better health care in Delta.
Along withthe recent repeat closuresofthe Delta Hospitalemergency department, it’s also unacceptablethat evenwhentheemergency department is open, patients waitthree to five hours (or more) to be seen.
According to the BC ER Doctors website: www.bcemergencycare.
com, “If you are unlucky, and have to waitfor a bed, Delta has by far thelongest emergency department lengthof stay ofall12Fraser Health Authority sites– over36 hours on average. That meanswhen a new sick patient showsupinthe ERthere willnever be an open bed upstairs. The planis : you will have to wait.”
Thereare many other holesinthe B.C. healthcare systemincluding medical procedurestaking from29 to55 weeks
andMRIs up to 159 days. In addition: Delta’s Specialized Seniors Clinic has limited hours- meaning seniors are waiting six to 12months to seea specialist.
The B.C. medical system isbroken andincrisis, while patients suffer in silencetrying to get the helpthey need
Our B.C. government needs to do betterand not just offer Band-Aid solutions and public relations media appearances. Bev Yaworski, Doug Re ynolds
Deltaneedsa codeof conduct
Editor :
Re: BC Ombudsperson wants to hear from you (Optimist, Sept. 18). I was pleased to see the articleinthe Sept 18 Optimist regarding theinvitation fromtheOfficeoftheOmbudsperson forinput on“legal obligationsfortransparency andaccountability in decisionmaking” forlocal city councils
Recently, somemembers of Vancouver council were found to have violated the Vancouver Codeof Conductfor holding private caucusmeetingsofcouncillorsto make decisionsthat would later be rubber stamped at opencouncil meetings.
On Oct. 6, I watched the Deltacouncil meeting and was surprised to see councillors speak to motions by reading out speeches
Once again,it appeared that councillors were notlistening to and participating indebate, but simply readingprepared statementsand rubber-stamping decisionsthathad been made, it seemed, inprivate meetings before theopen
Cityof Delta councilchambers.
councilmeeting.The ombudsperson’s new draftoftheOpen Meeting Guide clarifiesthat party caucusesandother gatheringsthat include a quorumof members of a city council cannot be used to advancedecision-making.
Deltaneedsa codeofconductfor council to ensure transparency,accountability andtheenforcement ofthelegal openmeetings requirements.
That will be my input to theOfficeof the Ombudsman.
Richard Hoover
Thekindness of strangers
Editor :
The Saturday before Thanksgiving, on Hunter Road,in Tsawwassen, I was going to visitfriends andwhilelooking forthe entrance to the building, I tripped onthe edge
ofthe sidewalk and fell heavily, bumpingmy forehead and bruising my knee.
Fortunately, two kind ladies were nearby, helped me to my feet, made sure I was able to
Supportqualit yh ealthcareand ma xim iz ey ou r ta xs avings wi th ag iftofsecurities
Yourdonationofsecuritiescangodirectlytowardcriticalequipmentandinfrastructureupgrades at the Delta HospitalCampusofCare.Thisyearalone,donorsupporthasenabled:
I wasa bitshakenand didn’tproperly thank them. So many thanks ladies.I truly appreciate your kindness and care.
Kay Foord
Bydonatingsecuritiesinsteadofcash,you maybeabletogive morethanyouthoughtpossible, while makinga lastingdifferenceinthehealthand wellbeingofyourcommunity.
To getstartedorlearnmoreaboutdonatingsecurities,visitdhchfoundation.ca/ways-to-give/securities.
DeltaHospital andCommunity HealthFoundation(DHCH Foundation) is anot-for-profitorganizationwhose missionistofundand promote outstandinghealthcare at theDelta Hospital Campusof Careand in the communityof Delta.
Letters Infrastructure wasbuilt for anotherera;it’s hurtingus
Editor :
Delta cannotafford to wait any longer forpromised transportation upgrades.
Investing inmodernbridges, tunnels, andtransit isn’t just about convenience, it’s essential to keeping jobs here, attractingnewtalent, and strengthening our economy.As the largest single-site agriculturalemployer in B.C., Village Farms isproud to call Delta home
Nearly 600 people work at our facility southof the Fraser, three-quarters of whom live right here in the community.
We providequality jobs withcompetitive pay, strong benefits, and career development, and we are actively hiring infinance, production, brand, supply chain,and HR.
Yet, againand again,prospective employees turnusdown, not because of the work, but because of the commute.
I understand theirhesitation.
Vancouverdriversalready lose about 197 hoursa yearin traffic, 80ofthem stuck in rush-hourgridlock (TomTom
MONTHLY RENT:
Traffic Index2024).
Meanwhile, our region still relieson infrastructure builtfor another era.
The George Massey Tunnel,groundbreaking in1959,isnowa chokepoint never designed for today’s traffic
At a recentDelta Chamber of Commerce event, even the mayor expressed his frustration at the lack of progress We do appreciate the improvementsalready under way, such as the 78th Street Interchange Project and related roadwork, and we hope this marks the beginningof much more.
Congestion already costs Metro Vancouverup to $1.2 billion annually (C.D Howe Institute),and ever y delay makes the price of fixing it higher
Thisisn’t just aninconvenience;it’s red tape in physical form. If we want Delta, andall of Metro Vancouver,to thrive, we need long-term investment intransportation infrastructure now. Or ville Bovenschen president, Village Farms Canadian Cannabis
Lookatthebiggerpicture
Editor:
I have been reflectingontheopinioncolumn by Mike Schneider (Optimist, Oct. 16).
I’m curiousasI assumethat Mike livesin ourcommunityof South Deltaand has seenhow much housinggrowth has been happening allaroundus,one such example,the Southlands area.
Mayor George Harvie, ismovingfor ward with making decisionsas per what isandisnot sustainablefor “ourlittle town.”
Do Ineed to remind Mikeabout ourunsustainablemedicalinfrastructure? We have been ignored by Fraser Health by beingtheonlycommunityinthe Lower
Mainlandthat doesnot have anurgent care centre.
Council has beenin discussions withFraser Health,andthehealth minister, who responded to thisinquiry to perhapstakethisuponus, anddirectedcouncil to contactacoupleofother communitiesin B.C., andaskhowtheywent abouttakingthison.
Ilistened to Harvie who spoke withCKNW host Simi Sara in response to thefourth Delta Hospital closure so farthis year.
Hisconcernisthat this willthen becomethe burdenof Delta’s taxpayers, perhapsadding to yetanotherincrease in ourtaxes.
Idisagreethat Mayor
Harvieandcouncil have “succumbed to pressure oftheold guard.”
If we don’ t have th e su st ain ab leinfrastructu re to su ppor t basi c he althne ed s to ou r existin g po pu la tion, ho w ca n we move forwa rd wi thinvitin g ev en more pe ople to move to ou r community, wi thou t the basi c neces sities su ch as su st ain ab le he alth ca re ?
I won’t even launch into our roadway and transportationinfrastructure, asthat is another topicaltogether.
I appreciate and value yourcomments Mike andask you to look at the much biggerpicture; sustainableinfrastructure.
Ruth Vohora
Telecommunicationtowers proposed for farmproperties
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimi st .c om
A pairof applications to build telecommunication towers onmore Deltafarm properties has moved to thenext step inthefederal application process.
A recent report to councilexplainsthat the required consultation has beencompleted by the proponent, SLI Towers Inc., for a proposed 40-metre telecommunications tower at 2194 Westham Island Rd
The cell tower would be locatednear the eastern boundar y ofthe property
“Our application has all carriers inmindand has the ability forcolocationforall carriers
(including Bell, Rogers, Telusand Freedom Mobile) Equipment to support the tower will be inanenclosed compound withno public access. The viewofthe tower base will be greatly mitigated by a 2.4mhigh boardfence surrounding the compound,”a letter to the city from SLI Towers Inc. explains.
The report notesthat the city recently received several inquiries regarding new telecommunications towers, including the Westham Island Road proposal.
Telecommunications towers and antenna systemsarefederally regulated and approved underthe Radio Communication Act.
The proponent con-
ducted consultationin accordance withthe defaultfederal Innovation, Scienceand Economic Development Canada (ISED)process fornew towers andantennas, the report adds
The other application is a proposal by Freedom Mobile for a 42-metre telecommunications tower at 272056th St.
The consultationfor that proposal has been completed, andthecity sent anotificationletter to ISED
In a letter to thecity, Freedom Mobile notesit iscommitted to providing reliable wireless service to theCity of Delta, andlooks for ward to support fromthecity to enhance servicesforthe community.
There’sa buzzofactivit yatt he corn e rofB ridgeandElliottin LadnerVillage,wheremorethan 100workersareonsite pouring the concretefor what willsoonbecome oneofDelta’sm os ta nticipated residentialprojects.
Bridge &E lliot tbyH eadwater Projects is officiallyunderway.Itisa milestonemomentforboth the project teamand the Ladnercommunity With131 homesand athoughtfully curatedmixofvillageretailon the way, constructioncontinue stop rogress smo othly,w ithmove-in an ticipa te d for2027.
Bridge &E lliottpresents a thoughtfullydesignedmixofstudio, one-,two-andthree-bedroomhomes tailoredto the va riedlifestylesof Ladnerresidents.Withpublicspaces woventhroughoutthe development, neighbours cangather,strollandenjoy thevillageatmospherejuststepsfrom theirfrontdoors.
Atstreetlevel ,a curat e dm ixof retail enha nc esth en eighbou rhood experienc e, includingSinghBeans Coff e eR oaster y& Ca fé,P ha rmasav e and anewveterinaryclinic.Stepsfrom theriverfront,parksandlocaltrails,the locationencourages alifestyleshapedby walkabilityandconnection -something increasinglyrareintheregion.
“T his is ag reatmomentto celebrateourprogressandthankour homeowners,” adds Wark.“It’salso thelastopportunitytosecure ahome beforewepausefor the winterand reopen i nt he springwit ho urfinal release.”
To learnmoreorregisterforupdates, visit bridgeandelliott.com.
Inside,h omesaredesignedwith timelesssimplicityandfunctionin mind.Interiorsby PorticoDesignGroup drawinspirationfromScandinavian design, emphasizinglight, flowan d everydayversatility.F ull-size Fi sher &Paykelappliances,high-arcfaucets andabundantstoragebringpractical elegancetoeachspace ,w hi le integratedcentralairconditioning ensurestruecomfortineveryseason. Asconstructionmomentumbuilds, theproject’sPresentationCentrewill closetemporarilyafterOct.31while the teamfocuseson the next phase ofdevelopment.Privateappointments willremai na va ilable throughthe winter,w ithplanstoreopenin the springforreleaseof the finalremaining homes.
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Contactthe Taxation O ce withinquiriesattaxation delta.ca or call604 946 3235.
Eastbound Ladner Trunk exit reopens as workprogresses
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta -o ptimis t. co m
The city has advised motorists they can once againexitLadnerusing LadnerTrunk Road eastbound. Earlierthismonth,traffic was closed for eastbounddrivers who were diverted to 72nd Streetandthen Churchill Street but wanting to get on to 80th Street to resumetheirdriveon Ladner Trunk Road.
LadnerTrunk east of80th Street was closed to all eastbound trafficdue to theconstructionof a new culvert and round-a-bout by Beedie WestboundtrafficonLadnerTrunk Road was maintained.
The city sayseastbound traffic can now access LadnerTrunk Road,via the Churchill Streetdetour, while westboundtravelonLadnerTrunk Road remainsunaffected
Beedie’s Parkwood Industrial Estates, located at 522488 St., will be a masterplanned industrial business park.
roadway projectsincludinga new overpass at 78th Street, relocationof Burns Drive, as wellasnewtrafficcircles with on-rampsandoff-rampsincluding newcircles at 80thand88th streets to increase safety,trafficflow and access to Hwy. 99.
The project isexpected to be complete by December 2026.
Delta residentnamedfirst OneBC candidate, willrun in Delta South
PHIL MELNYCHUK pmeln
B.C.’s election resultsarea yearold andalready there are plans tochange themfor Delta-Southduringthe next provincial vote.
OneBC, a newprovincial party formed this year, has announcedthat Delta resident Jim McMurtry will be the party’s first candidate, runninginDeltaSouth, inthenext provincialelection.
“Jimis running to reaffirm all that is positive about our provinceand our country,andheis running to preser ve British Columbia’s beautiful andglorious heritage,” said a release from OneBC, Monday.
“Jimis a Canadianhero. We’rehonoured to have himonthe team He’ll make a phenomenal candidate and an even betterML A,” said DallasBrodie, leaderof OneBC.
McMurtry also ran forthe People’s Party of Canada in Cloverdale-Langley City inthis spring ’s federalelection.
OneBC was formed in June with Brodieasleaderaftershe was kicked
OneBC,anewprovincialpar ty formedthis year,hasannouncedthat Delta residentJimMcMurtrywillbe thepar ty ’s first candidate,running in Delta-South,inthenextprovincial election.
out ofthe Conser vative Party of B.C. by leader John Rustadfollowing hercomments about residential schools
INSUPPORTOFBREAST CANCER AWARENESSMONTH!
OCTOBER29 •6PM -9PM
PowerofPink:an eveningofhealth, wellness and community insupportofCanadianCancerSociety
Joinusinthefightagainstbreastcancer at CascadesCasinoinDelta
ThisOctober,CascadesCasinoDeltainvitesthe community tocome together forPowerofPink –anuplifting eveningdedicatedtohealth, wellnessandthefightagainstbreastcancer.
Thisfree,all-ages eventisopen to everyone.Donations to the CanadianCancerSocietyarewelcomedandencouraged. Patrons whowish to visitthegamingfloormustbe19+with validgovernmentissuedID.
Joinus foranightof connectionandpurpose:
Location: CascadesCasino– Delta,mainlobby
When: Wednesday, October29
Admission: Free,allages welcome
ONLINE
Community Become a bat friendduring Bat Week
Community BatProgram to celebrate Bat WeekOct. 24 to 31
The BC Community Bat Program (BCCBP) is encouraging residents to celebrate Bat Week2025, aninternationalcelebrationof batsand their importance to ecosystemsandcommunities.
Bat Week runsfrom Oct. 24 to 31.
Residents can learn more about bats by visitinga local library,or www.bcbats.ca to download Bat Weekactivities. Teachers canplan activitiesfor students from the BC Bat Edukit Activity Guide. The BCCBP isalso partnering with the Wildlife Rescue Association to offer a bat webinaron Oct. 28.
Register at https ://hello. wrabc.ca/webinar-bats.
“Bats are remarkable creatures that play a vital rolein maintaining the healthof our natural world and economy,” says Danielle Dagenais, BC Community Bat Program Coordinator for the Metro Vancouver –Sea to Sky Region.
In B.C., there areat least 15 speciesof bats “Bats contribute to natural pest control by consuming mosquitoes, as wellas pestsof agriculture andforestry,” said Dagenais. “Batsalso cycle nutrients between aquaticenvironments where they eat and
uplandenvironments where they sleep and poop.
“Culturally, batsare also significant. Where would we be without characters like Batman, Dracula, and the Count from Sesame Street?”
Despite their importance, batsface serious threatsthat they are illprepared to withstand due to their low reproductive rates.
“Most BC speciesgive birth to only one pup per year,” said Dagenais
At this timeof year, batsare fattening upfor their winter hibernation, devouring many insects ever y night.
“As they migrate to their winter habitat, they may roost above your doorway orinunusual
openareas. Please allow the bat to stay; it will leave onits own in a few days,” she said.
A major threat tobats is White-nose Syndrome, a deadly fungal disease expected to spread to B.C. andis currently killing batsinAlbertaand Washington. The public can report dead batsor winter bat activity at : www.bcbats. ca, or call1-855-922-2287 ext. 11.
BC Community Bat Program is made possible thanks to funding from the Habitat Conser vation Trust Foundation, BC Conser vation Foundation, the BC government, and Environment& Climate Change Canada -Submitted
Halloween Horror Deltais back for its 23rd spine-tingling year.
Ladner’s “Mistress of Darkness,” Robyn Hasbach, promisesan astonishing Halloween display that willleave visitors spellbound. This deep-seated love for Halloween has ignited a traditionthathas transformed thefamily front yard into a chilling spectacle overthe years.
Hasbach invitesthe entire community to experienceherdisplay at 5674Grove Avenueon Halloweennight, from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be Trick-or-Treating forall childrenincostume
This year’s event promisesanarray of special effects, thrilling surprises, and spine-chilling delights. Halloween Horror Delta proudly continuesits partnership withthe Delta Firefighters Charitable Society for charitablecontributions. The display willalso once again be viewable via a live webcast on YouTube for those who cannot make it out.
Hasbach anticipates welcoming more than 1,000brave visitors on Halloweennight, ready to experience anight of Halloween funand enchantment.
Highlightsofthis
year’s display include:
Ananimated gravestoneprojection
A Ghoulish Dungeon
Backgroundlighting and fog machines
Two haunting graveyards adorned with custom-madegravestones
A host of staticandanimated creatures, including ghastly “corpses”
A coffinandother pneumatichorrors
Two eerie mausoleums - onefeaturinga projected ghost, andtheother with a Black Light setup
A new,updated facade at thefront door, now with evenmore special effects.
-Submitted
ASTCHANCETOHELP SHAPETHEF T REOF
There’sstill time to shareyourfeedbackbeforethe City of Deltawrapsuppublic engagement for the ohnOliver Park MasterPlan.Theparkwasidenti edinDelta’srecent Sports Field NeedsAssessmentas aprime location fora centrali ed athleticandtournamenthub.
isit le s alk del a ca ohnOli er to see theexamplelayoutsand lloutthefeedbackformbyOctober31. Feedback collectedwill beused to inform a nallayout. oin us to give your feedbackatone of our last eventsbelow
Don'tforgettoorder your frozenUkrainianfavorites forthe holidays www.mrmomsworldcatering.com •6047827298
TheCityhasreleased adraftofthe2026Budgetforresidents to reviewandsharetheirfeedback.Thisyear’sproposedbudgetincludesyour inputfromthe2025 CommunitySatisfactionSurvey.Hereisanoverviewofwhatthe2026Budgetwilldeliver,whatitmeans to you,and how youcangetinvolved.
3. Watch Council Workshops atdelta.ca:Oct29and30(beginningat 7pm)
letstalk.delta.ca/2026-Budget
Community CFUW-South Delta to host award-winning author
CFUW-South Delta invites you to hearfrom Christina Myers, writer, editorandformer journalist,at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Benediction Lutheran Church, 5575 Sixth Ave. Tsawwassen.
Myers book, The List of Last Chances, won the 2023 Canadian Book Club award forthefic-
tion category. It is a witty andheartwarming novel where theheroinediscovers that lifeandlove don’t always go asplanned.
Her mostrecent book, to be released in October, isananthology, Be yond Blue. Createdand edited by Oga Nwobosi and Myers, this book features 26writers from across
Canada onthe topicof postpartumdepression/ anxiety and maternal mentalhealth.
Myers is a former Tsawwassen resident having graduated from South Delta Secondar y in1994.
For more information, visitwww.cfuwsouthdelta.com.
Community Ladner UnitedChurch to re-dedicate peace pole
Two decades ago, Ladner Village andthe surrounding area hosted several polesthat featured peacemessages in several languages, inscribed in the wood
Many ofthe poles have disappeared overthe years; theone at Ladner United Church was taken down a decade ago when the church building underwent a major renovation.
On Sunday, Oct. 26, Peace Sunday in The United Church of Canada, the local church will be re-dedicating the pole, which has been reinstalled at thefront ofthe building, facing 48 Ave.
Tod Jensen,the teacher who headed the Peace Poleproject, will be present to share some of the history of the polesand their student creators. The short dedication will begin at 11:30 a.m., outsidethe front doornearthe reinstalled pole Ladner United Church islocated at 4960 48 Ave. inLadner Everyone is welcome to attend, whetherthey made a pole, the polesare new to them, orthey have fond memoriesofthetimbers promoting theirmessage of peacearoundLadner in years past -Submitted
LadnerUnitedChurch willbehostinga ceremonyonSunday, Oct. 26 to re-dedicateits Peace Pole.
Citysta havehad greatconversationswithresidentsabout whatmakesDelta Parks,Recreation andCulture special and what couldmakeitevenbetter There’s oneweekleft to share your ideasbeforewestart draftinga plan thatwill guidethe Cityfor thenext25years.
We want to know what moves OU to play,create,and connect in Delta Share yourthoughts online beforeOctober 31 at le s alk del a ca PRCplan
Come talk to sta at one of our last eventsbelow
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LADNERUNITEDCHURCH
Community
Walk-in vaccineclinic returnsto Tsawwassen
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassenand Tsawwassen Pharmacy (1077, 56th Street)are once again partnering to keep our community healthy and to help eradicate polio worldwide.
On Saturday, Oct. 25,
from10 a.m. to 3 p.m., community members are invited to stop by Tsawwassen Pharmacy, for a walk-influand COVID vaccination clinic. No appointment isneeded, and vaccines are available by donation,
withallproceeds supporting Rotary’s global End Polio Now campaign
Local pharmacist and Rotarian Edwin Lee has madethisannual clinic a meaningfulcommunity tradition.
“This partnership
allowsus to protect local healthwhilecontributing to one of Rotary’s most important humanitarian goals - ending poliofor good,”says Lee.
Last year’s event saw more than330 vaccinationsadministered and
raised more than$5,800 indonations Through matching donations by Rotarianswhich are then matched again two-to-one by the Gates Foundation,which resulted in$17,500 put towards polioeradicationfor more than5,800 children.
“Rotary iscommitted to servicethatmakesa measurabledifference,” saysclubpresident Mona Franks. “Every dollar donated helpsprotect childrenfrom paralysis and supports stronger health systems worldwide.”
Since Rotary launched the PolioPlusprogram in 1985,the world has seen a 99.9 per cent reductionin polio cases from more than1,000 children paralyzed every day in 125countries to just two countrieswhere wild polio remainsendemic.
But thefight isn’t over : iferadicationefforts stopped today, polio
This Saturday, Oct. 25, from10a.m.to3 p.m., communitymembers areinvitedtostop by TsawwassenPharmacy, fora walk-influand COVID vaccination clinic.
could paralyze up to 200,000 children each year within a decade. By getting your fluor COVID shot at this year’s clinic, you’llprotect yourself, yourloved ones, and childrenaroundthe world.
Stay healthy andhelp make history by attending the walk-in vaccine clinicorlooking forthe “Donate Now”tab at rotarytsawwassen.org.
-Submitted
PHOTO COURTE SY
TSAWWASSEN ROTARY CLUB
Community
Thistimeofthe yearis filledwithopportunities to reflectontheblessingsof bearingfruitas many culturesaround the worldcelebratesome sortofThanksgivingDay for their harvestinthe fall season.
Culturesthat follow the lunar calendarcelebratedtheir harvest acouple weeksago, while ourAmerican friends willcelebrate in November,and of coursewe celebrated ourThanksgivingDay recentlyaswell
Many cultures have a traditionofgivingthanks for their harvestbecause theyrecognizethat thereare factorsthatare outsideof ourcontrol that determine thequalityand quantityofthe fruit we bear.Thebible claimsthat Godhelpsus withthe harvestofour livesin bothfigurative
and literal ways In Matthew13:8, Jesus uses aparable toteach aboutseedsthatfell on good soilandproduced grain, some ahundredfold,some60, some30. He laterexplains to hisdisciplesthat there areforcesinlife such as the evil one,struggles, and temptations that will hinder you fromproduc-
ingbeautifulfruitinlife, butwhen youunderstandand obey God’s word,it’slikeseeds that fellon good soil—you bear bountifulfruit.It is onlybyunderstandingand obeyingG od’s word that youcantruly bear beautifulfruitin life,likethefruitof the Spirit—love,joy,peace, patience,kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, andself-control(Galatians 5:22-23). Goddesires to help youbearsuchfruit,but you cannot doit withouthis help.A farmer needswisdomandhard work to expecta plentifulhar vest,buthealso needsthe sun, rain, and other things thatare outsideofhis ownabilityto provide.Likewise, atremendous harvestof good fruit requires God’s provisionsthathesupplies throughhis word
Where theBibleis explained,andpeopleare changed
www.livinghopeladner.com
Sundays 9:30am 478953Street Delta, BC (InsideDelta ChristianSchool)
3900 Ar thurDrive, Ladner 604-946-4522 sacredheartparish.ca
Mass Schedule Saturday at 5pm Sundayat9 am 11amand5pm Daily Massin theChapel at 9amMon-Sat
4979-44A Avenue,Ladner 604-946-9179 •604-946-4224
AllSaintsAnglican Church
JoinusSundayService @10am WednesdayService@10am followedbyBibleStudy Formoreinformation www.allsaintsladner.org or call604-946-8413. 4755ArthurDrive,Delta
Tsawwassen United Church 693 –53rdStreet,Tsawwassen Rev.MariePaul Welcometoeveryonefor Worship &Friendship Sundays @10:00am tuc@telus.net604.943.2911
Minister’s Minute PAUL PA RK
SOUTHDELTA BAPTISTCHURCH
DELTA SPORTS
Winskill Dolphins representing Canada
Winskill Dolphins swimmers Naomi Mynott and Abby McLeod are again representing Canada onthe world stage.
They are among six swimmers fromacross Canada who have been selected bySwimCanada toparticipate in a 14-day NextGen Open Water Training and Racing Camp in Australia.
Part ofthe Swimming Canada Development Programthis camp targetsthe top juniordistance swimmers nationally.
In addition to the swimmers, Winskill headcoach Judy Baker was selected asthe only club coach nationally to attendandcoach the group of athletes along with NationalDistance Coach Mark Perry
The first weekconsistsofthe six Canadian athletestraining togetherin Maroochydore, Queensland. Swimming upwards of10km per day,the athleteswill be physically andmentally challenged to be at their best
Fromthere, they willtravel to Twin Waters, Queenslandandtake part inthe2025 JuniorOpen Water Pan Pac NationsTraining and Racing Camp
From Oct. 20 to 26, with swimmers represent-
ing five countriesincluding Canada, United States, Australia, Japan and New Zealand,this camp provides a uniqueandexciting opportunity to develop young talent and foster international collaborationinthe sport ofdistanceandopen water swimming.
With approximately 75 swimmers participating, theintense program will culminateina 7.5-km open water race. Providing both a challenging developmentalexperienceand a uniqueopportunity to train, race and build friendships with swimmers fromall overthe world, thispromises to be a once-in-a-lifetimeexperience for thelocal teens.
Mynott, McLeod and Baker were also selected back in March to represent Canada at the Edinburgh International Swim Meet and Mynott wasa member of Team BC at the Canada Gamesthis summerwhere she won fourmedals.
Meanwhile, Baker and McLeod attended the World Junior Swimming Championshipsin Romania in August with McLeod swimminga best timeandplacing 11thinthe world for the 1,500 free.
SeniorSun Devils grindout another football roadwin
IAN JACQUE
S
ijacque s@ delta -o ptimis t. co m
The senior varsity South Delta Sun Devils managed to grind out another football road win– 14-6 over Carson Graham, on Oct. 17.
The win improves South Delta’s conference record to 3-1and6-2 overall.
South Delta has battled through injuriesthe past few weeks losing reigning MVP Damian Dumas inthe win over G.W.Grahamon Oct. 10andlosing Grade10quarterback Quinn Kirincic early inthe game against Carson Graham
Grade 9 quarterback Raemon Dosanjh stepped upandled the Sun
Devils to the win. Carson scored early in the game but failed on a two-point convert to lead6-0.
South Deltalooked out of sorts and neededa spark that came from Quinn
Sjoberg who came back on a slightly underthrown ball, making the catch andaccelerated away fromthe defender for a 60-yard TD The extra point madeit7-6 for South Delta.
Late inthe secondquarter, the Sun Devils had the balldeepin Carson territory
Dosanjh, on a beautiful roll out, hit Sjoberg just insidethe end zone for his secondTDofthe game
The second half wasa defensive battlewhere Carsonnever really threat-
ened againand South Delta withthe young QBdidn’ttake many chances andtried to pounditandplay field position.
The SunDevilsare back at homeon Saturday asthey entertain Notre Dame at 1:30 p.m. at Dennison Park.
Juniorvarsity
The junior varsity SunDevils improved their conference record to 2-0and overall record to 6-2 with a 19-7 win over Lord Tweedsmuiron Oct. 16.
This wasa sloppy win for the Sun Devilswhodidn’tplay their best game despite dominating in total yardage–320 to 125.
Kirincic scored on a 13-yard run
and a 10-yard run whilecompletinga 52-yard touchdown pass to Ty MacGregor.
South Delta absolutely dominated ondefenceinthe first half, smothering Tweedsmuir ’s very skilled team, however, it was only 13-0 at the halfdue to two fumblesinsidethe20-yard line. The second halfdidn’timprove much South Deltacontinued to move the ball well but penaltiesand somemore fumbles stalled out drives
“Lots toclean-up but there still wasa lotof really good thingsthathappened,” saidheadcoach Scott Martens.
“We can grow fromthisand work on ourfundamentalsas we start to prepare for theplayoffs.”
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