Strategy to help local businesses deal with Tsawwassen First Nation malls

Delta is bringing in a consultant to develop a strategy to ensure long-term sustainability of the local business sector in the face of a pair of massive shopping malls taking shape at the Tsawwassen First Nation.

Construction is underway on the two malls, Tsawwassen Mills and Tsawwassen Commons, which, when complete, will feature almost 1.8 million square feet of retail space. The malls are expected to open in the spring of 2016.

There have been concerns about the impacts the development would have on the local business community, which is made up of mostly small, locallyowned operations.

"At this time of great change and uncertainty for the business community, Delta should assist the business communities in developing a strategy to ensure these vital pieces of the community are sustainable for the longterm," Delta CAO George Harvie stated this week in a report to Delta council.

Harvie told civic politicians other cities are facing similar issues.

Once hired by Delta, the consultant will work with the municipality, Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association, Ladner Business Association, Delta Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Delta to develop the South Delta Business Sustainability Strategy.

The aim of the strategy will be to provide advice on what Delta and the business community can do to ensure the sector is sustainable.

Harvie said Delta would expect a report from the consultant within three months of starting the project.

Construction is well underway on the two malls. Pre-loading began in January and construction of the superstructure started this summer.

Ivanhoe Cambridge is behind Tsawwassen Mills, which will include approximately 1.2 million square

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Strategy to help local businesses deal with Tsawwassen First Nation malls