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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016
The voice of Delta since 1922
Sea level rise comes with a huge tab
Jumping for joy!
Upgrading 67 kilometres of dikes and seawalls has a $1.9-billion price tag SANDOR GYARMATI
s g y a r m a t i @ d e l t a - o p t i m i s t .c o m
Coming up with one-third of $1.9 billion might be asking a bit much of Delta. That was the consensus among civic officials during a recent discussion on the municipality’s flood protection strategy. Funding what’s expected to be a hugely expensive, but ultimately necessary, upgrade of the 67 kilometres of dikes and seawalls protecting Delta’s residential, commercial and agricultural lands is an issue Delta council hopes to see some movement on over the next few years. In a presentation to council,
Hugh Fraser, Delta’s deputy director of engineering, noted the community has over $6.5 billion in land and infrastructure that needs to be protected. “Just with respect to Ladner, if you had a major breach, there could be billions of dollars in damage,” Fraser said. In a study four years ago, the province estimated it could cost $1.9 billion to undertake a complete upgrade throughout Delta, so since sea level rise will be a gradual process, he said planning needs to start now. Fraser said coastal municipalities will be required to address the issue by the province. STAGED: see Page 3
I Love Ladner
PHOTO BY GORD GOBLE
The cross-Canada tour of the Watoto Children’s Choir from Africa made a stop at the South Delta Baptist Church in Tsawwassen Sunday morning to present Oh What Love! See more photos at www.delta-optimist.com.
This year’s I Love Ladner section takes a look at the $6 million improvement project underway on Delta Street, including its impacts on annual summertime events, as well a look back at how the business district has changed over the years. We also mark the 20th anniversary of the wildly popular Ladner Village Market.
Myth: Insurance companies won’t warranty the work unless you use their repair shop. Fact: Collision repair shops warranty their work, not the insurance companies. 604.943.6383
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