Developer pushes back on Delta’s decision to reject Tsawwassen towers

A development company is pushing back after the City of Delta rejected a plan to build towers in Tsawwassen.

Council voted unanimously Monday against Century Group’s proposal to redevelop the Tsawwassen Town Centre mall on the grounds the project did not align with Delta’s Official Community Plan.

Sean Hodgins, president of Century Group, said the decision sets a bad precedent for cities trying to increase their housing supply – which municipalities have been mandated to do under the province’s Housing Supply Act.

“The goalposts constantly change in terms of what I’m being asked to do or what the criticism is,” Hodgins said.

Delta Mayor George Harvie said the plan was rejected because it was out of step with what residents want and what council has already agreed upon.

“Our community had a very strong feeling that they did not want to accept any forms of highrises,” said Harvie.

“But most importantly, the official community plan for the town centre development site is six storeys.”

Hodgins said the decision showed a lack of flexibility and uncertainty around how to pitch projects that increase density.

“Rather than, you know, ask for more questions or more details about it – (which) council could have done – they simply just dismissed it and moved on,” he said.

Hodgins said modifications that included reducing the building heights by 25 per cent and cutting the number of units were not enough to get the proposal through.

The community plan Harvie cited was approved in 2024. It says: “the height for urban centre designations is up to six storeys, with limited opportunities for up to 24 storeys where a significant community contribution is provided.”

Hodgins said the proposal included such a contribution, including a dedicated space allocated to the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation, a grocery store and a pharmacy.

“We redesigned the project over the last six months to carve out space of 6,500 square feet to create a community clinic,” he said.

Harvie said there was no consultation on the clinic prior to the council meeting, adding the amenity would take too long to build.

“I mean, that just came in at the very last minute; we had no discussions on it,” he told CTV News.

“The earliest we could see an urgent and primary care centre is at least five to seven years. That’s not acceptable to us.”

The city said it is open to future proposals from Century Group, so long as they are in line with the official plan.