Soil Conditions

Tractor Tsawwassen

Development proponents past and present have tried to contend that the soil of the Southlands is of poor quality. This has been consistently rebutted by independent agrologists and soil specialists.

In a recent report entitled "Integrating the Urban-Agricultural Edge: An Exploration of New Ruralism in South Delta," 80% of the Southlands is classified as prime soil (class 3 or above).

There have been many independent studies of the soil done over the years and they all come to the same conclusion: over eighty perecent of the land is class 3 soils or above (prime soil). The only problem with the land is that it is worth more developed. Because of this, the owners of the land have had to make the land seem worthless agriculturally so they can justify paving it for housing.

"In terms of soil and microclimate, and corresponding agricultural production potential, most of the land in the subject area is at least as good or better than agricultural land in West Delta in general."

-Art Bomke and Jan de Vries, Professors of Agriculture, UBC, Febuary 10, 1989

“It’s ironic. If you can prove farmland can’t grow anything, it’s worth a fortune.”

-Alderman and farmer Paul Swenson, January 21, 1981

To get an idea of what the land produced before it became the subject of multiple housing schemes, read "The Then And Now Of The Spetifore Family In The Municipality," written by the Spetifore family in 1968.

Soil Report, B.R. Carson, December 21, 1979

Field Agrologist Report, Professor G.A. Mosher, March 10, 1980

Agricultural Land Commission Decision #693/80: Application 91a-0-79-09724, April 29, 1980

B.C. Institute of Agrologists, March 10, 1981

Professors Art Bomke and Jan De Vries, March 24, 1981

Professor Ned Pottinger - Submission to the GVRD, March 16, 1983

Professor Art Bomke - Submission to Council, November 18, 1988

Professors Art Bomke and Jan De Vries 1989

B.C. Institute of Agrologists' President Professor Wendy Holm - Submission to Council, May 18, 1989

"TDL Owns 'Prime Farmland' Says Expert," South Delta Today, May 25, 1989

Integrating the Urban-Agricultural Edge: An Exploration of New Ruralism in South Delta, 2006

Agricultural Land Commision Guidelines and Forms for a Municipal Application to Include the Southlands in the ALR