THE Friends of Ladner Village – a Delta residents’ group – is organizing a housing rally and a protest against Delta City Council on Sunday, June 9 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Magee Park at the corner of Arthur Drive and Ladner Trunk Road to highlight the residents’ concerns about recent actions taken by the Council and City staff “to fast-track the Official Community Plan for Housing while also lacking transparency and accountability.”

“Due to infighting happening at Delta City Hall, we’ve lost trust and confidence in our Council’s ability to act on behalf of the best interests of all Delta residents,” says spokesperson, Bev Yaworski. “With Delta’s fast-tracking of the Community Plan, for example, we now see developers pulling back good, already-approved, family-oriented townhouse projects in hopes of squeezing in more density – which will cause added delays for new house builds.”

He adds: “In response to our many concerns, our residents’ group submitted a petition and formal request to Metro Vancouver Board to review and closely examine Delta’s Community Plan at their June 2024 meeting. In addition, because Delta eliminated the public’s question and answer sessions and is now repeatedly holding closed Council meetings which shut out and hinder transparency and community input, we’re also asking the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the Housing Minister to examine whether “good governance” principles are being followed in Delta, including in the rushed Delta OCP process. Other communities are taking until December 31, 2025 to complete their plans.”

He says: “While we acknowledge a pressing need for more affordable housing in Delta, adequate community consultation is crucial in making Delta a thriving, inclusive community.”

For more information on the housing rally, email:  reynoldsdoug9@gmail.com .   The rally is organized in coordination with Tsawwassen Voices for Responsible Development.