Deltaport. Photo by CPR.
The Delta Optimist reports, “Delta South MLA Vicki Huntington wants residents to learn more about what’s happening behind the scenes regarding plans for the community’s agricultural land. The independent is hosting an information meeting on Tuesday, May 22 at 7 p.m. at the South Delta Secondary theatre to talk about an effort to industrialize hundreds of prime acres for port-related uses. ‘It’s meeting to educate people on what the agricultural land in Delta means to this community and to the broader environment and food production issues,’ she said.”
“The Council of Canadians voiced its support for Huntington, saying the plan is all part of a coordinated strategy to convert the last great reserve of arable land in the Lower Mainland into container storage yards, trucking depots and warehouses.”
On April 5, the Council of Canadians issued a media release that stated, “Citing land shortages for the gateway project the Emerson Real Estate Group has optioned 600 acres of agricultural land to develop for use as a rail and industrial area. The Council of Canadians joins with local residents to oppose the potential loss of agricultural land, the port expansion and a proposed free trade zone. …This exposure of multi-million dollar speculative option agreements comes just as the Council and allies prepare to launch a massive campaign to stop the industrialization of the Fraser Delta. …(Chapter activist Cathy Wilander says), ‘This is all part of a coordinated strategy to convert the last great reserve of arable land in the Lower Mainland into container storage yards, trucking depots and warehouses.’ …(Council of Canadians executive director Garry Neil adds), ‘The campaign by our local activists to stop the destruction of farmland and critical western flyway habitat around the Fraser delta will have the full support of the Council of Canadians…'”
On Saturday June 16 at 1 pm there will be a Rally and March for the Fraser Delta. The Facebook page for the event says, “Meet at 1 pm. Magee Park Ladner – just south of Ladner Trunk Road & Arthur Drive n Arthur Drive. Easy access by transit, foot or bike. Parking nearby.” For more, please go to http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002245286853&sk=photos#!/events/411385482205717/.
For additional blogs related to the Deltaport expansion, please see http://canadians.org/blog/?s=deltaport.
