A Victory for Delta and a Thank you from me to you.
Hello friends and neighbours,
On Monday the 6th of October, Delta City Council — along with our Mayor — almost unanimously rejected the proposed development for Tsawwassen Town Centre.
It was a moment many of us had been waiting for. And to be honest, I wasn’t surprised by the outcome.
Someone asked me earlier how I could be so confident.
“Did you talk to someone inside City Hall?” they asked. “Did you hear something?”
The truth is, I didn’t need to.
Because I’ve known from the very beginning.
I knew it that evening in February 2024, sitting in the Tsawwassen Coast Hotel ballroom, when this proposal was first unveiled to a small group of residents. I knew it when I started this Facebook group, reaching out to neighbours and friends to explain why joining us mattered. And I knew it through every conversation I’ve had since — in strata meeting rooms, living rooms, rec centres, along walking paths, and at doorsteps where we gathered signatures and shared stories about what this place means to us.
From day one, I truly believed we would prevail.
Not because of insider information or political connections, but because I’ve seen something more powerful — the quiet conviction of people who care. The spirit of neighbours who love their community enough to stand up and show up for it.
Some came to me and told me it was a done deal. Some said not to waste our time. Others believed nothing we did would make a difference. But what they didn’t understand was that this movement wasn’t built on anger — it was built on hope, and on faith in one another. I hope those who doubted can find a renewed belief in our democracy and one another.
When the Official Community Plan passed despite our objections, I remember coming home that night and writing to you here — promising that no matter what came next, we would keep going. We would fight whatever followed.
Through you, that promise has been kept alive. And last night, Delta showed what happens when ordinary people refuse to be written off. Thank you for never giving up.
Now, let’s be clear: our work isn’t over. The OCP remains unchanged, and the proposal rejected last night was deeply flawed — perhaps even easy to turn down. But make no mistake — what happened last night was more than a vote. It was a shift in the conversation. A statement. A reminder that the people of Delta are paying attention, and that we will not be sidelined.
So I hope that you take pride in what you’ve accomplished. Together, we’ve begun to turn the tide — to protect our communities and reclaim the future of our city.
I believe in Delta.
I believe in the people who call this place home.
I believe that when we stand together — across Tsawwassen, Ladner, and North Delta — we can accomplish extraordinary things.
And I know you do too.
Last night’s decision was the proof of what happens when a community finds its voice again.
Thank you again for everything, and I look forward to what the future holds.
Alex Fischer
A message to most of you...
Hello friends and neighbours,
I'd like to warn you all of the mercenaries who align themselves with those who are here to exploit our communities. We must remain focused on our task at hand. I was asked during the rally this weekend: "what's the solution to all this?" And there is one thing I am certain of. We are tired of lobbyists controlling our government and dictating our future. We are those who live here and we are those who will be here long after you've moved on. It’s time we found our voices and stopped letting others tell us what’s good for us — how we should feel — and push us aside to make way for their grand visions of the future.
We’ve had enough.
It’s time to try something new. Something many of us haven’t seen in too damn long: a government that actually has the interests of its people at heart.
The age of threats and name-calling is over.
We’ve watched for years while these whales consumed our futures — and our children’s futures — with promises of a better tomorrow. I won’t be conned. I won't be swayed by meaningless gestures or an extra multipurpose room. I won’t negotiate when it comes to how much more we’re expected to sacrifice for a promised utopia that drifts further away with each passing day.
No more pretending.
A fire burns stronger every day as more of us start to look around and decide: we are ready to give ourselves to making things better. Hope comes from watching those around you do what you always dreamed of doing. And much like our ancestors, that dream has always been to build a family, a home, a community.
And that’s exactly what we’ve started doing.
In these colder months, stand tall against the rain and wind. Defy our old habits. Warm yourself with the flame inside you.
The George Massey Tunnel was built 66 years ago. Thirteen years ago, the BC government said it needed replacing. And for 13 years, not just Deltans — but people across the west coast, from Northern BC to the American border and beyond — have suffered in that tunnel. Sitting in traffic instead of being with their loved ones.
But yeah — tell me how we need to build for even more people before you’ll even consider our problems.
Better yet — for those still clinging to the magical carrot that’s been dangled in front of us for generations:
Go on Google Maps. Use the street view time slider. Roll it back. Drive through Ladner. North Delta. Tsawwassen. Or maybe try Richmond. White Rock. Even Vancouver.
You’ll be amazed at how much has changed. So many condos. So many new homes. So much development. It’s hard to believe you’re even in the same city.
And if you’re ever unsure of where you are?
Head to the nearest hospital. Or a public school. Or a library. Or the tunnel
Because those never change.
Are we seriously going to pretend that our population hasn’t already exploded over the last 30 years? Even the last 10? Canada’s population has grown nearly double the rate of other G7 countries in the last decade and a large amount of those people have moved to BC — yet for 30 years, all we hear is the sound of the can getting kicked farther and farther down the road.
And we’re supposed to believe that “more condos” will fix our failing health care system, our broken education system, the rise in crime, our mental health crisis, declining birth rates, and falling life expectancy? (to just name a few)
Your solution is to hand the keys back to the very people and industries that put us here?
Nah. It’s time for a change.
Get with it.
We will empower small businesses and individuals to do what lobbyists and their shills haven’t done in decades. That starts here. In the grassroots. It starts with advocacy groups. With journalism. With voting. With dedicated individuals who write letters and give us the strength to grab the wheel and change our course.
So keep writing those letters.
Keep printing them out and handing them to those around you.
We will not be tricked. We will not be silenced.
Thank you for your attention this evening.
I hope you are all doing well — and staying safe.
Alex
Delta Can Do Better: Standing Against a Broken Process
When it comes to this proposal in Tsawwassen Town Center—we are all needed again. Make no mistake and please understand, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. The people of Delta spoke once and said no. Now there is a revised plan and I believe I speak for a large number of people when I say this revision not only misses the mark but brings into question what kind of conversation we are having.
In the letter attached to the revised application, it is said that those who oppose towers “fear” the height of the buildings. It rejects the notion that our beloved Town Centre has any character or charm at all. It ends by framing the rejection of the last proposal as one made by our Mayor and Council, not out of duty to their constituents, but instead out of fear. It concludes by asking Council to ignore current “skewed age demographics” and to make way for “a new generation.”
I don’t think I have to spend much time telling you all how much I disagree with this assessment of our Town Centre. I don’t believe anyone fears anything here. In fact, I believe we are a shining example of everyday people fulfilling their duty to protect and nourish this God-given land for many future generations to come.
The most important step you can take toward this end is to speak up. It is imperative that we email our elected officials and tell them what you think.
Furthermore, on Saturday there will be a gathering of residents on 56th and 12th St. from 10 AM to 12 PM, intended to raise awareness of the revised proposal and bring more people into this conversation. I will be there and hope to see you there too.
Now over the last week, I’ve had the opportunity to have many conversations with fellow residents all over Delta. I must remind you, it is not just Tsawwassen Town Centre that has had major development applications that seem to go against the very fiber of our communities. Across Tsawwassen, North Delta, and Ladner, we have those who have taken up the mantle and poured their time and energy into trying to right the course their neighbourhoods are heading. I am not trying to beat a dead horse, but it is important to understand how we got here. Though in this regard there is much to discuss, the immediate genesis of our problems traces back to the (new) Official Community Plan that was thrust upon our city with ZERO real discussion. I say “real discussion” because taking feedback, making poster boards, and then unanimously passing it without a single tangible change based on that feedback spits in the face of the whole process and our dignity as concerned residents. Now we have this OCP that does not truly represent the communities it intends to speak for. It is no surprise that we now find ourselves at odds with developers, because we were all set up to fail from the outset.
There is so much that needs to be said, so much reflection we as a community must do to understand how we ended up in this position. So much responsibility that we must bear for letting it get this far. But right now? we have to send in our letters and hit the streets.
As I walk through the Southlands, as I do on my daily walks, I see a shared vision—and honestly one of the most beautiful places on earth. I don’t want Century Group or Sean to give up on our town centre. Instead, I hope he will work with his fellow neighbours and build something we can all be proud of. A place we can take our out of town visitors, and show them around—a place we can all love and cherish. A place that celebrates the charm and character that you can only find here.
I hope you’ve all been doing well, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.
Alex Fischer
P.s.
Here are details on how to reach out to our elected officials:
PLEASE remember the following ...
Reference "LU009754 / Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall" and state you request they REJECT the proposal and state your concerns (ie. height, density, traffic, infrastructure, etc.)
Include all the following email addresses - (you should be able to cut and paste to your "TO" box for simplicity):
mayorharvie@delta.ca; rbinder@delta.ca; dboisvert@delta.ca; jdosanjh@delta.ca; aguichon@delta.ca; jjohal@delta.ca; dkruger@delta.ca; mayor-council@delta.ca; development@delta.ca; cityclerk@delta.ca; citymanager@delta.ca
Include your full name and complete mailing address for it to be officially considered. If you are writing the email with a spouse, partner, friend, etc., include all names (and addresses) OR send it from individual email accounts for more impact.
--Thank you Mark Schoeffel for the above write up
Who's standing up for us?
Hello Friends and Neighbours,
I was originally going to reply to Mark’s repost of the Delta Optimist article where BC Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon announced his desire for Delta to adopt blanket bylaw changes. However, I believe this subject deserves it's own post. (And for the record, despite some issues with the Optimist’s early OCP coverage back in early 2024, they’ve lately become a much better source for what’s really happening locally, so credit where it’s due. I check their website everyday.)
A quick recap: Last week, BC Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon stood shoulder to shoulder with Anne McMullin, President and CEO of the Urban Development Institute (UDI) - a glorified lobbyist group for developers - and, together with Mayors George Harvie and Brenda Locke, announced that DCCs (the fees collected to help pay for public infrastructure for new developments) can now be deferred. In other words, it just got even easier and cheaper for developers to keep doing what they’ve been doing for years in BC.
Fast forward to this week: Now the Minister wants Delta to adopt blanket bylaws changing setbacks, heights, floor space ratios, and more, to help “stimulate” smaller-scale development.
One of these announcements has much bigger implications than the other. Deferring DCC fees means the costs for these big, UDI-backed developments will fall even harder on taxpayers. Developers get more time to figure out how to pay their share, while regular people, those who don’t have the ear of the Housing Minister or a lobbyist at the press conference, get stuck with higher taxes and crumbling public services.
So why am I bringing this up? I went to the public info session about these new bylaws, and my biggest takeaway was: why didn’t we start with this? Why did we rush to bulldoze our OCP, taking on massive liabilities, instead of working with residents and local builders on small-scale, sensible changes that could gently densify our neighbourhoods while creating real jobs and enriching our communities?
The answer seems obvious. When you see the President of UDI standing next to our Minister at the podium, it’s clear where the priorities are. Our elected officials aren’t focused on us - they’re focused on big money and keeping the real estate machine rolling until there’s nothing left to squeeze. They get the profits, and we get the responsibilities dumped on us.
For those paying attention, there’s another bill, Bill 46, that was supposed to address these exact concerns. Yet we never hear about it. I reached out to the Housing Minister’s office for more information and, after two months, got the classic “check our website for more information” response.
During the latest announcement, the Minister painted a rosy picture of three friends buying a house and building a three-unit complex together. Nice idea, but until these elected officials show they actually care about the “little guy,” I wouldn’t buy it.
To end on a positive note: I’m doing my own research into what it’ll actually take to fix this mess. Real solutions start with empowering city staff to study our neighbourhoods, figure out what infrastructure and amenities we actually need, and create a transparent, responsible fee structure based on those needs - so we can fund what’s required to maintain our city, our spaces, and our quality of life while giving developers an honest fee structure that won't change at the drop of a dime. If you think this is the way forward, this is where one of the areas that your attention should be directed.
With all that being said, I hope you are all doing well and enjoying this beautiful summer we are having.
Until next time,
Alex
Happy Canada Day
Hello friends and neighbours,
Tonight, on the eve of Canada Day, I want to take a moment to reflect on this incredible country we call home. Canada is a nation built on ideals of freedom, resilience, and hard work. A country that has opened its doors to so many (such as myself) with a simple but powerful expectation: that we leave it better than we found it.
Now, we know things aren't perfect. Progress isn't always easy, and we're reminded every day of the challenges and human suffering around us. But the beauty of our country is that, despite our imperfections, we have the freedom, and indeed, the responsibility to stand up and help make things better.
Even amidst troubling headlines, every day I spend in our community fills me with gratitude, pride, and a sense of duty. Meeting you all through this Facebook group, conversations we have in the streets, and seeing the conviction in your eyes. It is a reminder that together, our future can - and will - be brighter.
So tomorrow, however you choose to celebrate Canada Day, please know that I'm grateful to each of you-for your friendship, your neighbourly hellos, and your commitment to building a stronger community and country.
Happy Canada Day!
Alex
Bringing Delta to the Table: Our First Podcast Feature
Hello friends and neighbours,
This week I had the privilege of sitting down with New Westminster city councillors Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas on their podcast For the Record. I was grateful for the opportunity to use their platform to share the challenges and successes we've experienced here in Delta as we continue our work in response to the housing crisis.
As more British Columbians watch their cities grow rapidly, concerns about public infrastructure, taxes, and overall quality of life are becoming shared challenges across our province. That’s why working collaboratively with other municipalities—and building the relationships needed to do so—is essential if we hope to find sustainable, responsible solutions to the problems we face.
I invite you all to check out the episode. My goal during this short interview was to highlight our concerns, emphasize what unites us, and encourage others who are capable and willing to step up. I hope this helps bring our voices to a larger audience and make it impossible to ignore our concerns.
You can find the podcast link(s) below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
RedCircle
Thank you for being part of this journey,
Alex
A Delta United.
If there’s one lesson that has stood out to me since beginning this journey with all of you, it’s the value of unity. The power of people coming together in good faith, with determination and optimism, to shape a better future. Throughout this experience, I’ve never felt more connected to my fellow Deltan. I see more clearly than ever what we share: the land we live on, the laws we follow, the sacrifices we make, and the victories we celebrate. That sense of shared purpose and belonging has only deepened my belief that unity is our greatest strength. This holds true for us as Deltans, as British Columbians, as Canadians, and as citizens of the world.
It’s in that spirit that I’m writing today to firmly and wholeheartedly reject any effort to divide us. To those who may be working to create division, I ask you to reflect on whether such actions truly align with your values and with the future we all hope to build. I have felt the strength that comes from unity, and I believe with conviction that a city divided against itself cannot stand.
At this pivotal moment in our history, with political and social landscapes shifting around us, we must stay strong and stay united. We must stay rooted in our love for this community and our commitment to one another. The rights of individuals, our democratic voice, and our ability to shape the spaces we live in are not just abstract ideals. They are essential, and right now, they are being challenged. We face legislation and policies that risk silencing our voices and weakening our connection to the land we call home.
Today, I stood at Centennial Beach, surrounded by people from all walks of life. As we shared the ocean breeze, the open sky, and the simple joy of being together, I was reminded of how truly special this place is. What we have must be protected. And the only way we protect it is by standing together, as one Delta.
With gratitude,
Alex
Finding Ways to Marginalize and Control Us
"We need housing, so let’s make a ton of money selling spots to live—and promise nothing but the bare minimum."
What the hell is 'affordability' anyway?
If they truly wanted affordable homes, they’d build them cheap and fast—wood frames, six stories max, breaking ground today. Not these drawn-out sales pitches designed to wear us down. Real emergencies demand action, not 15-year timelines for a single project.
Instead, their time and effort go into manufacturing our consent—selling our communities out from under us while calling it "progress." They know exactly how this works: dangle crisis language to justify rushed approvals, then vanish when the infrastructure bills come due. It’s not development—it’s extraction disguised as policy.
I stand outside my home and watch eagles soar overhead as I walk to the grocery store. Why am I told we don’t have a "walkable city"? Is this just another buzz word to sell us sidewalks through the very developments we oppose?
When we dare express concern for our future, We are labeled a NIMBY—a term invented to strip residents of credibility and transfer power to developers and the politicians who either don’t understand or don’t care about the agenda they’re pushing. They want us to believe that wanting guarantees—about schools, hospitals, green space—is unreasonable. Since when did "selfish" mean refusing to hand our town over to speculators?
But here’s the truth:
We have every right to protect our community, the people in it, and the natural habitat we’re duty-bound to preserve. We are not beholden to the real estate interests that have turned every aspect of Canadian life into a speculative game. Real partnerships between communities and developers exist—they just require actual value in exchange for change. What we’re getting is theft with a zoning permit.
It’s time to face reality: We, the people, have very little left to hold onto. What we do have—a loving, fought-for community—is now the frontline. The industrial machine feeds on the apathy they’ve cultivated in us, while every facet of our lives gets sucked into markets demanding infinite growth.
Noam Chomsky said it best:
"Social action must be animated by a vision of a future society—and by explicit judgments of value about what that society should be."
What values are we upholding by accepting an OCP shoved through in four months—with no explanation beyond blaming other politicians? Their "vision" is urban centers (whatever that means) on a small peninsula next to the beach. Ours is Tsawwassen as it is: a place of natural beauty and tight-knit community. They repeat their slogans, trot out hired consultants, and appeal to authority to corrode our resolve.
And for what? To hand over the very quality of life that makes this place desirable—only to be gaslit into feeling guilty for resisting the same forces that created this mess.
I keep hearing it’s "uneconomic" to build housing that aligns with Delta’s character. I don’t buy it. If people want to live here (and they do), they’ll come—perhaps even because we refused to surrender to short-term profiteers and held the line for what actually matters.
Looking forward to us all meeting again soon. Until then, stay strong in your resolve. Do not fall for the distractions, or the illusions that this is all a "done deal."
Alex
What Other Cities Are Teaching Me About Ours
Hello Friends and Neighbours,
I hope these rain-filled spring days have offered you a bit of time to rest, regroup, and begin planning for the busy summer ahead. The weather hasn’t kept me from my usual “around town” walks, and as I make my way down 12th, along the beach, and through Southlands, I’ve noticed how the soft rain seems to bring out some of the most vivid scents—yarrow, lupine, and all the wild green things that make this place feel like home. Even the blackbirds seem to be in good spirits, turning sections of my route into a little symphony. I hope you’re all finding your own ways to enjoy the season and soak up the beauty blooming all around us.
In my last update, I committed to diving deeper into our Official Community Plan (OCP) and understanding how we got to where we are today. That journey has led me to look beyond our city borders, knowing full well that the challenges we’re facing here in Delta—outdated models of public funding, growing pains, and questions of long-term planning—aren’t unique to us. What has stood out to me, though, is the way other municipalities are choosing to respond. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are better models, more transparent conversations, and stronger commitments to the people being affected most.
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to sit down with Councillor Daniel Fontaine of New Westminster. You may have seen his name in a recent Vancouver Sun article where he spoke out about his community’s crumbling infrastructure and the underfunding of essential services. Our conversation was both frustrating and hopeful—we shared a lot of the same concerns, but we also found common ground in our belief that politics should be rooted in duty, openness, and respect. It was refreshing to meet someone in office who isn’t afraid to speak candidly and act boldly. In a time when our cities, provinces, and countries are grappling with complex challenges, we simply can’t afford more politicians who are more worried about their careers than the people they serve. What we need is leadership that puts families, local businesses, and long-term sustainability first.
On that note, I’ve been following developments in Burnaby around Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs) and Development Cost Charges (DCCs)—the fees developers are supposed to pay to support public infrastructure and community amenities. In theory, these charges help fund everything from parks and libraries to sewage systems. But what’s happening now is that developers are saying they can’t meet the timelines for payment, and municipalities are warning that the financial burden could shift to taxpayers. Burnaby’s council has begun exploring reforms and shared their thoughts with other municipalities, including ours. Disappointingly, although this correspondence was tabled at our last council meeting, it wasn’t raised by a single member of our council. All I can say is that we seem far far far behind the ball on dealing with this incredibly pressing issue. We need to get our heads out of the sand, and start figuring out who's going to pay for the rapid growth we are expecting to see in the very near future, before it falls squarely on the tax payer.
There are more thoughts re: Bill 15, but I'll have more information regarding that bill in the upcoming week or so!
Until then, thank you—as always—for the inspiration, energy, and wisdom you all bring to this community. You remind me every day why I care so deeply about this work. I hope we have a chance to gather again soon. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out—sometimes Facebook messages get filtered (or get pushed down), so please feel welcome to email me directly at alex@deltavoices.ca
Wishing you all a safe, restful, and joyful long weekend. I’ll see you around town.
Alex
Spring Update
Hello friends and neighbours,
As news about the Tsawwassen Town Centre brightens our spirits and the sun warms our little town, it’s starting to feel like spring in every sense of the word. In these quieter moments—when we’re not shoulder to shoulder on sidewalks, in community halls, or council chambers—it’s easy to feel disconnected. So I wanted to reach out with a quick update on what I’ve been up to, and share a few reflections on our community, our leadership, and where we go from here.
A couple of weeks ago, I attended the City Council meeting at the North Delta Centre for the Arts. It followed Councillor Boisvert’s letter to the Delta Optimist, and the atmosphere in the room was tense. Frustration flared between councillors, and frankly, it was disheartening. What should have been a forum for thoughtful leadership felt more like a political grudge match—complete with jabs, accusations of backroom dealings, and personal digs. I left feeling concerned. Public service should never be about political ladder-climbing—it should be about the people who live here.
I also had the chance to attend both All Candidates Debates, hosted by the Delta Chamber of Commerce and the Delta Residents Association. A big thanks to both organizations for making space for us to ask questions and engage directly. It’s clear that all the candidates—despite their differences—have put real thought into Delta’s future. Issues like the dike system, health care access, and the tunnel were front and center. I’m confident that whoever wins will bring a strong voice to Ottawa on our behalf. And if you haven’t yet—please make sure to vote this Monday.
Lastly, I want to share a conversation I had recently with two community members about the Town Centre development—not just the proposal itself, but the process that brought us here. We talked about the OCP, how it was pushed through last year with limited transparency and even less public trust. It reminded me of how hard we fought to delay it, and how quickly it was pushed forward regardless.
So moving forward, one of my main areas of focus is on the OCP itself—how it’s written, how it’s approved, and how we can make it better. Because if we don’t fix the process, we’ll be back here again—signs in hand, scrambling to respond to the next surprise proposal. There are other areas zoned just like the Town Centre across Tsawwassen, North Delta, and Ladner. We’ve got momentum, and now’s the time to use it.
On a hopeful note, I recently spoke with Professor Erick Villagomez from UBC’s School of Architecture (You may recognize his name from the Globe and Mail article that was shared a couple weeks ago). He’s done fascinating work on European models of densification—Barcelona in particular—that show it’s possible to build density without sacrificing character.
There are better ways forward, and I’m excited to explore them with all of you.
Onward,
Alex
The Turn of the Tide
Hello friends and neighbours,
Do you feel it? That first, vital drop of hope—the weight of a tipping point finally reached. Because of your resilience, your refusal to accept "good enough," and your unwavering belief that we can do better, the walls of City Hall echo with the voices of Deltans.
This is your victory.
Today's Optimist reports that City Councillor Daniel Boisvert has publicly withdrawn support for the town square development after reviewing community feedback—with indications that Councillor Dylan Kruger may follow. Let me be clear: This happened because of you. You signed petitions. You rallied. You fought for what was right, even when it was uncomfortable. You inspired others to find their voices. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you.
Now, the road ahead remains long and uncertain, we have a lot of work to do. But let today prove something: When ordinary people stand together—when we demand our voices be heard—even the most entrenched powers must listen.
This was never just about saying "no." It was about proving that Delta's future must be built by Deltans, for Deltans. That we deserve a seat at the table. As our movement echoes across our province and nation, we're reminded that our future rests in our own hands. This is our moment to rise to the occasion—to put in the hard work and build the better tomorrow we know is possible.
With elected officials beginning to acknowledge this development isn't right for our community, we now have our opportunity to define what is. This is our chance to collaborate, to inspire other communities, and to make Delta a shining example of what's possible when we come together to build with care and passion.
So stand tall today, chin help up a little higher, not just with pride, but in renewed resolve. The tide is turning.
Alex