MUNICIPALITY OF DELTA, BRITISH COLUMBIA

A BRIEF HISTORY

Prior to European settlement, Delta was inhabited by the Tsawwassen Indians, a band of the Coast Salish. They lived above high tide level on the beach south of Ladner near what is now the Tsawwassen Reserve. The Tsawwassen First Nations people came to the swampy low lying areas to obtain food. Delta's flatland region was often submerged and remained virtually unexplored until sighted by a group of Hudson's Bay Company men in 1822. Thirty-six years later two British gold seekers, enroute to the Cariboo gold fields, were attracted by Delta's agricultural potential and decided to settle there. Thomas and William Ladner returned in 1868 and each pre-empted 160 acres for farming. By 1879 present day Ladner had been staked out and granted municipal status.

By the turn of the century Ladner's Landing was the thriving centre of Delta's farming and fishing community. An extensive dyking and drainage system alleviated the flooding problems that had previously plagued Delta farmers, enabling them to produce bountiful crops from the fertile soil. Numerous canneries located along the Fraser River provided seasonal employment for many of Ladner's Chinese residents. The Chinese community was located on the dyke along River Road until 1914, when most of the buildings in Chinatown were destroyed by fire. By the early 1900's Ladner was a prosperous community that boasted a variety of goods and services to accommodate a growing population.

THE COMMUNITIES

Delta today is comprised of three communities, Tsawwassen, Ladner and North Delta. The three Delta communities are as rich and alive as the name "Delta" implies: rich in soil and water, rich in history and industry and especially rich in people.

The many facets of Delta living and working are encompassed within 364 square kilometres bounded by the Fraser River on the north, the U.S. Border and Boundary Bay on the south, the District of Surrey on the east, and the Strait of Georgia on the west.

The communities are justly proud of the amenities which are vital to the quality of life in each, different as they are from each other. Above all, people still may find a well-preserved sense of rural living in Delta.

B.C. Ferries run frequent daily service from Tsawwassen terminal in South Delta to Swartz Bay and Nanaimo (Vancouver Island), the Gulf Islands and Prince Rupert.

The area is accessible to rail, water and major highways in all directions, and is roughly 35 minutes from Vancouver and 20 minutes from the Vancouver International Airport. An airport for small and private aircraft exists near Boundary Bay in South Delta.

RESIDENTIAL GROWTH

With the completion of the Massey Tunnel in 1959, Delta became one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, registering a 400% increase in population over 20 years. Delta with a population of 93,300+ (2002) is growing at a modest pace. With the exception of two areas in Ladner and North Delta, most new development is "in-fill". A greater emphasis is also being placed on environmental and transportation issues. Industry is the fastest growing sector of the community with new growth focused on Annacis Island and along River Road.

There is a wide range of housing available, condominiums, apartments, townhouses, medium priced homes, all the way up to very exclusive executive homes. At the end of March 1996, the average selling price of a single family detached home in North Delta was $245,120+, Ladner $285,000+ and Tsawwassen $337,000+.

(pop 21,800+ including the rural areas) is an older established small town of great charm. While single-family housing still predominates, many apartments and townhouses are available. One waterfront townhouse, and three floating home developments have their own moorage. Delta's municipal centre is located in Ladner and contains the new Municipal Hall, Health Centre, Justice Building, Transit Exchange, ice arena and swimming pool. 

(pop 22,000+), handsome single family dwellings predominate in prestigious Tsawwassen. Higher density housing is limited to low-rise townhouses and apartments. Most newer homes attract high income residents, and waterfront homes are $425,000 and up. Other homes prices range from $230,000 + for starter homes to $1,000,000 plus for palatial homes. 

(pop 49,500+) is the largest residential area in the municipality. Sunshine Hills is a prestigious development with its own tennis courts and playground. Other public leisure facilities are nearby. Senior secondary and elementary schools service this district. Adjacent to Sunshine Hills is Sunshine Village, a multi-phase development containing townhouse complexes as well as single-family units. Sunshine Woods is another attractive subdivision nearby. 

Health Care

Delta Hospital is located in the Civic Centre in Ladner.

The Variety Farm Training Centre

The Centre has provided resident vocational services for mentally handicapped persons in B.C. for more than 25 years, always changing its scope and services to better serve their clients and the public.

EDUCATION

Delta offers extensive special education programs and French immersion schools. All three communities are serviced by modern Secondary and Elementary Schools.

Education is the responsibility of School District No. 37, administering curricula and providing school sites for three separate communities. Questions on educational matters may be directed to the District Office, 4585 Harvest Dr., Delta, B.C. V4K 5B4 

POLICE

Delta has its own police force. It is one of the oldest Police Departments in the Province, tracing its beginnings back to the summer of 1888. Today 137 men and women officers and 30 civilian personnel serve the residents of Delta. 

RECREATION

The Municipality of Delta is blessed with a vast array of recreational services and facilities to assist visitors and residents in enjoying their leisure pursuits. A mixture of Arenas, Swimming Pools, Curling Rinks, Seniors Centres, Community Centres, Athletic Playfields and Natural Parks conveniently located throughout Delta offer a wide range of activities for all ages. The Delta Park system offers a wide variety of open space for the enjoyment of all.

LEISURE

Deas Island Regional Park, in the middle of the Fraser at the south end of the Massey Tunnel, provides great close-up views of river traffic. The George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Westham Island west of Ladner is a rest-stop for thousands of birds. The fall snow goose arrival is spectacular. The newly acquired Boundary Bay Regional Park is another good Delta nature spot.

INDUSTRY

Delta's industrial land base includes approximately 1,000 hectares of serviced land and a further 300 hectares of industrially-zoned, but unserviced land. Most industrial activity is focused in the Tilbury, Annacis island, and River Road east areas which includes some water access. Industrial parks are developed with a design scheme and extensive landscaping. Activities range from manufacturing to processing to storage, warehousing, boat-building, and shipping hauling. The Roberts Bank deep sea superport is zoned for marine terminal use. CP Rail has recently opened a new freight ferry terminal on Tilbury Island which services Vancouver Island. Expansion of the bulk port to include grain as well as coal is currently under way. 

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture, the obvious activity for the rich-soil Delta area, has long played a vital role in Delta's economic and social life. Delta's acreage is abound by dairy farms and crops of cranberries, blueberries, corn, peas, beans, potatoes, barley and other grains. 

FISHING

One of Delta's first economic activities still plays a large role.

COMMERCE

Shopping is conveniently located in all three Delta Communities.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Emergency 911

Chamber of Commerce 946-4232

Municipal Hall 946-4141

Delta School Board 946-4101