With its member vote approving the 2025 Land Use Plan Update, Tsawwassen is aiming to balance explosive growth with a deep commitment to cultural roots, ecological stewardship, and community wellness.
The numbers tell a story of steady transformation.
In 2009, about 660 people lived on Tsawwassen Lands.
By late 2025, that population climbed to roughly 5,400 residents, including 4,900 leasehold residents and 500 members living in the Village.
Projections estimate the population will reach 10,000 by 2040 and 12,000 by 2050.
Economic development has mirrored this population boom.
In 2025, more than 250 licensed businesses operated across industrial and commercial sectors on Tsawwassen Lands.
Together with government employment, these enterprises support about 4,000 on-land jobs and act as a significant economic engine for the region.
While the 2009 plan focused primarily on unlocking economic opportunities and building essential infrastructure like the $27 million sewage treatment plant and Tsawwassen Mills, the 2025 update takes a more well-rounded approach.
âNow we are prepared to carry it forward more holistically in 2025, rooted in Tsawwassen culture,â said Chief Laura Cassidy.
The updated plan is grounded in three core principles: syÉÌΞÉs (culture), sÌxÊ·kÊ·ecxÉnÉm (care), and mÉsteyÉxÊ· (community), and guided by the spirit of nÉcÌaÊmĂĄt â working in unity.
As stated in the plan, this projectâs community engagement process ran from September 2023 to June 2025 and included 24 sessions and over 350 member participations.
It divides Tsawwassen Lands into several key zones and designations to manage this future growth carefully:
The Community Area: Spanning about 177 hectares, this includes the Village, Tidal Marsh, and Bluff. It serves as the heart of the community, where plans include a new Cultural Centre, a Village Centre, a civic plaza near the legislature, a new cemetery, and an assisted living facility for elders. Ecological management zones will protect sensitive marsh and bluff habitats, archaeological sites, and the Pacific Great Blue Heron rookery.
âThe objective of the Community Area is to maintain community character and continue building the community near the water for Members to live, work and play. Protect cultural roots, ecological environment, and traditional activities such as hunting and medicinal plants.â
Neighbourhood and Mixed-Use Areas: Covering about 134 hectares for leasehold residential and commercial enterprises, alongside 69 hectares at Tsawwassen Mills and Tsawwassen Commons, ensuring walkable, transit-friendly spaces that meet regional needs. It will help build out remaining vacant spaces, create long-term housing and market needs, and root new developments in Tsawwassen culture.
Industrial and Employment Lands: Encompassing roughly 135 hectares, these lands are designated as a long-term logistics and distribution hub, which aspires to create a national gateway that balances wealth generation with strict environmental standards.
Agricultural Areas: Increased to approximately 217 hectares with the inclusion of Brunswick Point lands, dedicated to food security, farming, and land-based economic activity.
Parks, Open Spaces & Blueways: Building on parks added since 2009, the updated plan focuses on creating safe, welcoming spaces for recreation, cultural expression, and community events. It advances the Great Blue Heron Way trail network, integrates gathering spots into neighbourhoods, and protects biodiversity. Alongside conserving the Tidal Marsh and Bluff, the plan prioritizes restoring blueway systems, shorelines, and waterways to support ecological health and cultural revitalization for future generations.
Transportation & Infrastructure: The plan prioritizes active transportation, integrated regional transit, and safe road networks through partnerships with provincial agencies. To support ongoing growth, new developments must dedicate land for trails and road rights-of-way while funding essential municipal infrastructure like water, sewage, drainage, and lighting. These systems will be managed for climate resilience and paired with third-party utilities to ensure modern standards across the community.
Action and Study Areas: The digital plan uses specific markers, such as eagle feathers for bold, near-term action Areas (like the Village Centre and beachfront planning) and heron feathers for long-term study areas (like the Port Adjacent Use Area and 13-acre parcel), to ensure growth happens thoughtfully as more information becomes available.
Implementation will roll out through updated zoning rules and other relevant regulations to align with the new Land Use Plan.
âBy planning how we use and protect our lands, we are creating space for cultural revitalization, community wellness, and the healing of our People. We are honouring our ancestors by continuing the work they began, and we are preparing a strong foundation for our generations to come,â said Cassidy.
Copyright 2026, Delta Optimist. All rights reserved.
Radha Agarwal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Delta Optimist.
