Chamber responds on January 11, 2008 to "Gutsy Move", South Delta Leader, Jan. 4, 2008 (original letter follows this response)
A letter to the editor on Jan. 4 suggested the Delta Chamber of Commerce might have been more cautious about indicating support of Shato Holding Ltd.’s proposal to redevelop the Tsawwassen Golf & Country Club. Why would the Chamber be cautious about advancing the opinions of its members? It is the role of the Chamber to represent the interests of its members and the health of their businesses. We believe that a vibrant business community here in Delta is crucial to enabling the social, environmental and economic health of the community.
In the case of the Tsawwassen Golf Club redevelopment project, the Delta Chamber’s board of directors gave serious and extensive consideration to the proposal. Because the issue had such high profile in the community and because we are a member-driven organization, we surveyed our members, as we have done in the past. In the recent survey we contracted the services of TWI Surveys, a Delta-based survey company that includes among its clients small and large organizations across Canada and the United States. The survey is considered to be a reliable representation of Chamber members’ opinion according to industry-recognized standards.
While the economic development provided by this project was seen as positive by 78 per cent of all respondents, the survey did reflect concerns or uncertainty among a significant minority about the nature of the project and the possible impacts on the community of Tsawwassen. Delta Corporation, which received the letter of support from the Chamber, and Shato Holdings Ltd. are aware of these concerns.
Delta Chamber of Commerce has made that letter public on its website. Contrary to the impression left in the Jan. 4 letter to the editor, the public also has access to the survey report at the following web address: http://www.deltachamber.com/chamber_business/news/E-News-Dec-7-07.aspx
The Delta Chamber of Commerce takes an active role on behalf of Delta business at the federal, provincial and local levels of government as readers can learn by visiting our new website. There are many demands being placed on Delta ranging from global trade and transportation infrastructure to housing, agriculture, tourism and others. The Chamber is actively involved in many issues with best interests of the Delta community in mind as well as those of our local businesses.
Peter Roaf
Executive Director
Delta Chamber of Commerce
Gutsy move, letter to editor, South Delta Leader, January 04, 2008
It’s very gutsy of the Delta Chamber of Commerce to jump into the political arena and poll its members to find out who supports the Tsawwassen Golf Course development proposal. I would think an organization representing Delta’s business community would be a little more cautious, given the controversial nature of this proposal.
The Chamber should put their money where their mouth is and publicize the results of the survey. If businesses in this community are choosing to get involved in an issue that has ruffled so many feathers, then Delta consumers should be given the opportunity to choose whether or not to patronize them.
The same goes for another controversial project facing Delta: port development on Roberts Bank. The Chamber has been quick to support the massive container port expansion plans of the Vancouver Port Authority, without any regard for how it negatively impacts the social and environmental health of our community. Perhaps they would like to poll their members on that issue as well, and publicize the results.
Delta’s pleasant liveability is largely the result of a realistic balance between the citizens who reside here and the businesses who thrive here. Sadly, the scale is starting to tip too much to the side that comes with adverse social costs. We are on the brink of losing the precious, unique charm that separates Delta from many other Lower Mainland municipalities that have been defaced by thoughtless, out-of-control residential, commercial and industrial development.
I am surprised, and disappointed, that Delta’s business community puts corporate profits ahead of our social and environmental health. Rather than providing their corporate members with the nails to hammer Delta’s coffin, the Chamber may want to take a moment to remember those who keep many of their small business members afloat.
A letter to the editor on Jan. 4 suggested the Delta Chamber of Commerce might have been more cautious about indicating support of Shato Holding Ltd.’s proposal to redevelop the Tsawwassen Golf & Country Club. Why would the Chamber be cautious about advancing the opinions of its members? It is the role of the Chamber to represent the interests of its members and the health of their businesses. We believe that a vibrant business community here in Delta is crucial to enabling the social, environmental and economic health of the community.
In the case of the Tsawwassen Golf Club redevelopment project, the Delta Chamber’s board of directors gave serious and extensive consideration to the proposal. Because the issue had such high profile in the community and because we are a member-driven organization, we surveyed our members, as we have done in the past. In the recent survey we contracted the services of TWI Surveys, a Delta-based survey company that includes among its clients small and large organizations across Canada and the United States. The survey is considered to be a reliable representation of Chamber members’ opinion according to industry-recognized standards.
While the economic development provided by this project was seen as positive by 78 per cent of all respondents, the survey did reflect concerns or uncertainty among a significant minority about the nature of the project and the possible impacts on the community of Tsawwassen. Delta Corporation, which received the letter of support from the Chamber, and Shato Holdings Ltd. are aware of these concerns.
Delta Chamber of Commerce has made that letter public on its website. Contrary to the impression left in the Jan. 4 letter to the editor, the public also has access to the survey report at the following web address: http://www.deltachamber.com/chamber_business/news/E-News-Dec-7-07.aspx
The Delta Chamber of Commerce takes an active role on behalf of Delta business at the federal, provincial and local levels of government as readers can learn by visiting our new website. There are many demands being placed on Delta ranging from global trade and transportation infrastructure to housing, agriculture, tourism and others. The Chamber is actively involved in many issues with best interests of the Delta community in mind as well as those of our local businesses.
Peter Roaf
Executive Director
Delta Chamber of Commerce
Gutsy move, letter to editor, South Delta Leader, January 04, 2008
It’s very gutsy of the Delta Chamber of Commerce to jump into the political arena and poll its members to find out who supports the Tsawwassen Golf Course development proposal. I would think an organization representing Delta’s business community would be a little more cautious, given the controversial nature of this proposal.
The Chamber should put their money where their mouth is and publicize the results of the survey. If businesses in this community are choosing to get involved in an issue that has ruffled so many feathers, then Delta consumers should be given the opportunity to choose whether or not to patronize them.
The same goes for another controversial project facing Delta: port development on Roberts Bank. The Chamber has been quick to support the massive container port expansion plans of the Vancouver Port Authority, without any regard for how it negatively impacts the social and environmental health of our community. Perhaps they would like to poll their members on that issue as well, and publicize the results.
Delta’s pleasant liveability is largely the result of a realistic balance between the citizens who reside here and the businesses who thrive here. Sadly, the scale is starting to tip too much to the side that comes with adverse social costs. We are on the brink of losing the precious, unique charm that separates Delta from many other Lower Mainland municipalities that have been defaced by thoughtless, out-of-control residential, commercial and industrial development.
I am surprised, and disappointed, that Delta’s business community puts corporate profits ahead of our social and environmental health. Rather than providing their corporate members with the nails to hammer Delta’s coffin, the Chamber may want to take a moment to remember those who keep many of their small business members afloat.
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