STATEMENT: Responses From One Delta Mayor and Council to Dream Delta's Six Questions.

One Delta Mayor and Council candidates’ answers to DREAM Delta’s six questions.

1. Limit Maximum Building Height

Will you commit to amend the Official Community Plan to limit building height in the Tsawwassen and North Delta urban centres to eight storeys or lower, removing the ability to provide a “substantial community contribution” in exchange for increased height up to 24 storeys? A six-storey height limit is already in place for the Ladner Urban Centre.

One Delta’s Answer

One Delta supports a full review of the Official Community Plan (OCP) next term, including meaningful public engagement before any decisions are made about building heights. We agree with the Province’s requirement to update OCPs every five years; communities evolve and planning documents should evolve with them.

Generally, we believe higher-density development belongs on major corridors and main streets such as Scott Road, while established neighbourhoods should be protected. However, it would be irresponsible to predetermine specific height limits before hearing directly from residents through the OCP process.

2. Establish Sensible Density Limits

Will you commit to amending the Official Community Plan to include industry-standard density metrics for the Tsawwassen, Ladner, and North Delta urban centres to ensure each new development incorporates a meaningful and impactful balance of outdoor space? Delta had a metric for high density development before July 2024, when it was terminated.

One Delta’s Answer

Delta already requires both indoor and outdoor amenity space in new multi-family developments and One Delta supports ensuring these spaces are attractive, functional and contribute to livability.

We believe discussions about density metrics should be grounded in planning evidence, urban design principles and community input - not reduced to a simple yes-or-no commitment to a fixed formula. Successful communities are built through thoughtful design, not rigid checkboxes.

3. Protect Small Town Character

Will you commit to amending the Official Community Plan to cultivate small-town character in Delta’s urban centres through meaningful community engagement, while still permitting gentle densification?

One Delta’s Answer

Delta’s current Official Community Plan includes policies aimed at preserving and strengthening the community’s small-town character. One Delta believes the focus should be on implementing those policies thoughtfully while accommodating appropriate growth and gentle densification. The question is not whether we support small-town character - we do - but how best to achieve it in practice while planning responsibly for the future.

4. Protect and Expand Green Space

Will you commit to implementing actionable and enforceable standards to protect Delta’s existing tree canopy from new development and expand green space in ways that benefit the environment?

One Delta’s Answer

Yes. One Delta has consistently supported stronger tree protection measures and will continue to do so.

Delta already has one of the strongest tree protection bylaws in British Columbia.

In 2021, Council voted in favour of new measure to increase tree cutting permit fees, increase penalties for removal of large diameter trees, and increase penalties for unauthorized tree removal from up to $10,000 to up to $50,000.

During this term, Council approved additional measures, including expanded heritage tree protections and neighbourhood-based approaches to preserving mature trees.

We support continuing to strengthen enforcement, protecting existing canopy, increasing replacement requirements where appropriate and expanding green space opportunities that benefit both residents and the environment.

5. Adopt a Council Code of Conduct Bylaw

Will you commit to implementing a Council Code of Conduct Bylaw that includes an articulated enforcement process and independent oversight? Most other jurisdictions in B.C. already have these safeguards, but Delta does not.

One Delta’s Answer

In 2026, the Province of British Columbia introduced legislation requiring a mandatory code of conduct framework for all municipal elected officials. As a result, this issue is already being addressed through provincial legislation.

For One Delta, the more important focus is ensuring any code of conduct is fair, enforceable, and consistent with the provincial framework so that it supports good governance and public trust.

6. Reside in Delta

Is your primary residence in Delta?

One Delta’s Answer

One Delta is a team made up of individuals who have spent their personal and professional lives serving Delta and helping make our community the exceptional place it is today. Every member of our team is a Delta taxpayer and we believe those seeking to represent Delta should have a meaningful stake in the city’s wellbeing and future.