Delta Optimist
It may be some encouraging news regarding a long-standing issue of concern for Delta.
Mayor George Harvie recently sent a follow-up letter to Steveston—Richmond East Liberal MP Parm Bains expressing optimism on potential movement to get dredging done on the secondary river channels that have begun to silt up.
Harvie noted he is pleased that a working group has been re-established to help focus efforts to move the issue forward with senior government agencies, adding that a collaborative approach is critical to resolving the long-standing issue.
“From Delta’s perspective, the dredging issue continues to be a high priority, with increasing urgency as each freshet passes. I will be meeting with provincial officials in Victoria in the next few weeks to, once again, highlight the need for funding and a strategic plan for dredging the local channels around the lower Fraser River,” Harvie wrote.
Harvie also referred to a joint letter a year earlier sent to Prime Minster Justin Trudeau, co-signed by Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie, Tsawwassen First Nation Chief Ken Baird and Musqueam Indian Band Chief Wayne Sparrow.
They said they recognize the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s commitment to continue to work with them, along with other government agencies and stakeholders, towards a long-term sustainable dredging program. They noted that while they appreciated the port’s announcement of $1 million in funding for local Delta channel dredging, they were hopeful that contribution would be a catalyst towards the development of a comprehensive, funded long-term plan for maintaining the local channels. …