Sustainability Built In

The working plan for Southlands integrates land use planning and the design of infrastructure systems that increase efficiency, minimize energy use and increase environmental performance.

The most significant commitment towards sustainability is the land use plan for Southlands itself. The plan preserves more than two thirds of the land for local agriculture, wildlife, community recreation and pathways. The planned compact residential neighbourhood is designed to put the pedestrian first and provide alternatives to single-occupant vehicle use.

Green infrastructure

Much of the storm water run-off from the developed area of upper Tsawwassen currently flows through the Southlands property before it is discharged, untreated, into Boundary Bay though Delta’s municipal drainage system. Southlands will include a large retention lake as physical feature of the site and part of the natural habitat. Run-off can be naturally treated and stored on-site for agricultural irrigation. This infrastructure investment will also result in an improvement of the quality of water being discharged into Boundary Bay.

Southlands will be designed to protect residents against flooding from storm surges from Boundary Bay and against the possibility of flooding resulting from rising sea levels.