Residents in the surrounding neighbourhood are opposed to the proposed 50-unit Dennison Gate townhouse development. The design forces all density into a narrow buildable strip beside existing homes, relies on surface parking under the Hydro right-of-way, and fails to respect the character and limitations of the area.

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1. Full name, and
2. Residential street address

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Introduction

We, the undersigned residents of Tsawwassen, oppose the proposed 50 unit stacked townhouse development at 52 Street and 7A Avenue (Application LU009901). We ask Delta City Council to reject the request to rezone this property to a new Comprehensive Development Zone (CDZ), as well as the proposed rezoning of Lot 2 from RS1 to RT76. This zoning is not automatic, and Council has full authority to deny or significantly modify the proposal.

1. Neighbourhood Compatibility

This proposal fails Delta’s policies on neighbourhood character, form and character, and appropriate transitions. The development consists of seven full three storey buildings placed directly beside single family homes. This creates excessive height, massing, shadowing, and overlook impacts on surrounding properties. Delta’s Official Community Plan requires proper transitions in scale and design, which this proposal does not achieve. Bill 44 states: “The legislation aims to: make it easier for homeowners and builders to create housing that fits into existing neighbourhoods.” Delta’s own policy states: “City aims to ensure new development fits comfortably within established neighbourhoods.”

2. Hydro Right of Way Constraint

The BC Hydro transmission right of way removes most of the usable land on the site. Because nothing can be built under the power lines, the entire development is forced into a narrow strip pressed tightly against neighbouring homes. This results in an overcrowded layout, poor site planning, and no meaningful separation from existing properties.

3. Parking and Traffic Impacts

The proposed buildings include no garages for the units. All parking is concentrated in a large open air surface lot containing 75 resident stalls and 5 visitor stalls. Overflow parking will inevitably spill onto 52 Street and nearby avenues, which already experience congestion from South Delta Secondary School and weekend activity at the sports fields. This plan does not provide realistic or adequate parking for 50 dwellings. The concentration of vehicles also introduces continuous exhaust fumes and emissions directly adjacent to our homes, diminishing air quality and contributing to health and environmental concerns.

4. Overdevelopment of a Constrained Site

The proposal attempts to place too much density on a parcel that cannot accommodate it without significant negative effects on adjacent homes. The narrow, restricted buildable strip created by the BC Hydro right of way leaves no room for proper spacing, transitions, or responsible site planning, making the scale of this proposal inherently unsuitable for the property.

5. Community Opposition to the Current Proposal

Neighbourhood response has been consistently and strongly opposed to the scale and design of this development.

Request to Council

We request that City Council reject this rezoning request or require a complete redesign of the project. A revised plan should include fewer units, reduced height, proper setbacks, realistic parking, and a design that reflects Delta’s Official Community Plan policies. The current proposal does not support neighbourhood character, liveability, or responsible planning. By signing below, we respectfully ask Delta Mayor and Council to deny the rezoning request as submitted.