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History
Named for the Fraser River delta on which it lies, Delta is comprised of three communities: Tsawwassen, Ladner and North Delta, which all lie in a fertile oasis of farmland and wetlands, accessed by both Hwy 99 and Hwy 91.
Prior to European settlement, Delta's flatlands and coastal shores were inhabited by the Tsawwassen indigenous peoples of the Coast Salish First Nations . The land was first sighted by Europeans in 1791, when Spanish explorer Lieutenant Francisco de Eliza mistook the area for an island and named it "Isla Capeda". The first Europeans to settle in the area were Thomas and William Ladner, who began farming the area in 1868. Farming and fishing helped the community grow quickly over the next few decades. In 1879, the area was incorporated to become "Delta", and the village of Ladner was made as its administrative centre.
Due to its geography, Delta was a relatively isolated community. The completion of the George Massey Tunnel in 1959 linking Ladner to Richmond and Vancouver along with the opening, in 1960, of the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and Highway 99 being rerouted from the King George Highway in Surrey in 1962 to a new route through Delta, ended Delta's isolation and resulted in a massive 400% population growth over the next 20 years. The 1986 completion of the Alex Fraser Bridge connecting North Delta to New Westminster and Vancouver also helped Delta's growth.
Location
Delta is located east of Highway 91 and north of Highway 10, 27 kilometres (17 miles) southeast of Vancouver and 22 kilometres (14 miles) north of White Rock and the Canada/United States border post at Peace Arch/Douglas.
Places to See
- Reifel Bird Sanctuary
Located on Westham Island, on the wetlands of the Fraser River, the Reifel Bird Sanctuary is home to over 230 species and is the annual migratory stop for some 1.5 million birds on the Pacific Flyway. Over 20,000 snow geese travelling south from Siberia every November make an especially breathtaking spectacle.
- Ladner Village
Historic Ladner is a charming community of unique boutiques and restaurants. During the summer make sure to visit the Ladner Village Market, a three-block long open-air market of fresh produce, handmade jewelry and had-crated treasures.
- Centennial Beach
Centennial Beach has one the region's warmest and cleanest soft-sand beaches, as well as picnic facilities, beach volleyball, and nature trails.
- Deas Island Regional Park
Walk dykes, marshes, and meadows, and visit a one-room schoolhouse built in 1909, a Queen Anne style home built in 1905, and the historic Delta Agricultural Hall.
- Kin House
Located next to Ladner Memorial Park, Kin House is home to the Ladner Kinsmen who maintain a clubhouse upstairs. The lower floor is comprised of a large entry and medium sized hall with a capacity of 100. It is operated by the Corporation of Delta. With a fireplace, bar and kitchen area, Kin House is a popular place for meetings, weddings, receptions and social events. Recent improvements include new flooring, kitchen upgrades and window coverings. The building is available for rentals. Call (604) 946-3308.
- Ladner Harbour Park
A large picnic area, trails, new play equipment and a view of the working harbour attract many visitors to this community park. Walkers can access the Millennium Trail from the north end. The large picnic shelter can be reserved. Call (604) 946-3308. A reservation fee applies.
- North Delta Community Park
North Delta Community Park features the Dennis Elsom multi-sport synthetic turf field that is used for softball, soccer, field lacrosse and field hockey. A major center for softball, this large community park also features a skate park, trails and tennis courts. Parking is available at North Delta Recreation Centre.
- North Delta Recreation Centre
The North Delta Recreation Centre includes a curling rink, ice rink and several multipurpose rooms. The centre also includes a Municipal Information Office offering services such as property tax and utility payments, application forms and dog licenses.
Things to Do
- Biking
An impressive stretch of dike trail runs beside Mud and Boundary Bays east of Tsawwassen. The Boundary Bay Regional Trail, which includes the East Delta Dike Trail, winds around both bays, skirting the mudflats that once extended much farther inland. Today's dike is a much sturdier version than the crude ones built at the turn of the century. You can put in a full day cycling 20 kilometres one way between the Surrey-Delta border and Boundary Bay Regional Park in Tsawwassen. There are always shorebirds to entertain you, and towards evening the sky around Mount Baker lights up in the southeast.
- Hiking
Delta has many scenic trails suitable for walking, hiking, biking, inline skating, and horseback riding.
- Eco-Tours
Take an eco-tour along the Fraser River and bask in the amazing scenery.
- Windsurfing
The sun, the wind, and the beautiful waters of Boundary Bay call visitors to experience the sheer exhilaration of windsurfing. In Tsawwassen, on the south side of the BC Ferries causeway is a beach that attracts anglers and windsurfers. The best time to catch the breeze here is after storm blowing from the south.
- Golf
There are six golf courses within the municipality. Sunshine Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 54 public golf course on 64th Avenue. Tsawwassen features the Beach Grove Golf Club and the Tsawwassen Golf & Country Club.
- Shopping
Depending on the season, you can also buy fresh fish from the marina docks or pick up unique arts and crafts at open air markets.
Events
- Tour de Delta
The Tour de Delta was introduced to the cycling community in 2001, with the inaugural event attracting more than 200 professional cyclists from across Canada, the U.S. and New Zealand. Since that time, with great weather, challenging courses, and enthusiastic spectators, the Tour de Delta has been a continuous success.
- Delta Triathlon
The Delta Triathlon is a one-day annual event occuring in the month of April. It is a short-distance race - a great warm up for the season for those with experience and an easy start for people who have never done a triathlon before. This event is held at the Ladner Leisure Centre, with the running and bicycle courses taking you through beautiful Ladner. Children and youth categories are also offered.
- Concerts in the Park
Delta's parks will be filled with the sound of music during the annual summer series of concerts in the park between July and August. Performances by local musicians are free of charge and all are scheduled for the evening.
- Annual Delta Heritage Golf Classic
The greens are beckoning: come out and enjoy a round of golf, fabulous dinner, and enthusiastic bidding wars at the auction tables, while helping raise money for the Delta Museum and Archives. This is a great golf tournament designed for maximum fun, and is presented in partnership with the Ladner Business Association and Tsawwassen Business Association. Please contact the Delta Museum for further information or a complete golf package.
- Canada Day Celebrations
Come and celebrate Canada's rich history and heritage. The celebrations include official Canada Day ceremonies with local, provincial, and federal dignitaries. Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast and an abundance of activities including toe-tapping music, crafts, games, museum tours, contests, and free cake. Fun for the entire family!
Contact Information
Delta Municipal Hall
4500 Clarence Taylor Crescent
Delta, BC V4K 3E2
Canada
Telephone: 604-946-4141
Website: www.corp.delta.bc.ca
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