Overview

The Southlands community occupies a vast sweep of land— 537 acres—on Boundary Bay in Tsawwassen. Tsawwassen is a suburb, mostly residential, in the southwestern corner of the City of Delta in British Columbia. It provides the only road access to the American territory on the southern tip of the peninsula, Point Roberts, Washington, via 56th Street. It is also the location of Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, part of the BC Ferries. Southlands immediate neighbours are Boundary Bay Regional Park, Centennial Beach, and traditional blocks of single-family homes. Productive farmland, forest, parks and greenways comprise 80 per cent of the site, or approximately 430 acres. The remaining 20 per cent—approximately 107 acres— are developing with residential pockets and a vibrant Market District of shops, cafés, and farmers’ markets. In total, it is proposed to add approximately 950 homes to the area. Planning for Southlands Tsawwassen began with the vision for Market District. Here, in Market Square, farmers sell their produce at markets, but they also mingle with residents and shopkeepers over coffee, craft ale, or a sandwich. The Market District is evolving as a vibrant village where people roam and gather—residents and visitors alike. Current activities included food festivals, outdoor concerts, and Earthwise gardening demonstrations. Mixed-use buildings have relevant retail at ground level and residential flats above. Walkable streets double as festive outdoor spaces. Market District is core to Southlands’ sense of place. On completion, the Market District is planned to accommodate approximately 40,000 SF (subject to change) of commercial space.