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Delta eyes investment in Scott Road

Council creates a committee called "Invest North Delta" to create a vibrant community
76513surreywScottRoad-BJ-July8
Delta council is resolved to attract investment to the Scott Road corridor.

Firing back at public criticism over the state of North Delta, the municipality this week released figures on its investment in the community and the increased value of housing.

Over the past several weeks, Leader readers have sent numerous letters to the editor, complaining about the declining state of area, particularly along the Scott Road corridor between Surrey and Delta.

At Monday's council meeting, administrators outlined the amount of investment that has occurred in North Delta over the years – more than $110 million in capital projects since 2000.

Council also received a report by G.P. Rollo and Associates, Land Economists, which indicates the time is right to invest in the Scott Road corridor.

One of the recommendations in the report is the establishment of an "Invest North Delta" committee to ensure the long-term vibrancy and attractiveness of the community.

The committee will operate in conjunction with the North Delta Area Plan review process, developing economic incentives to promote investment along the Scott Road corridor and existing residential neighbourhoods.

Council is banking on growth in North Delta to create opportunities for business investment and redevelopment of under-performing retail space.

Some critics, which include Mayor Lois Jackson's daughter, noted run-down homes rented out by absentee landlords are an eyesore. Her rebuke was targeted at those landlords, not council.

In Monday's report to council, administrators said the property values are holding strong.

Housing prices have climbed 81.1 per cent in North Delta since 2004, consistent with 81 per cent in Ladner and 79 per cent in Tsawwassen during that period.

“It is critical that we continually strive to better each and every one of our unique communities into something we are proud of and, as the consultants have pointed out, now is the time to focus on the Scott Road corridor and surrounding area,” Jackson said in a release.

@diakiw