The City of Delta is a Canadian district municipality,* a part of the Greater Vancouver Regional District of the Province of British Columbia on the peninsula surrounded by the Fraser River on the north, the Strait of Georgia on the west, Boundary Bay on the south, and the City of Surrey on the east. 120 Street from Boundary Bay north to 96 Avenue and from there west to the river forms the border between Delta and Surrey. Delta derives its name from the Fraser River Delta formed by silt deposited over millennia and crossed by several channels.
In the 2011 Census, Delta’s population was 99,863, up 3.3 percent from 2006. About 28 percent of residents are what Canadians call “visible minorities,” mainly Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, and Korean Asians. Diversity in the schools is not a problem. The Tsawwasen Indian Reserve adjacent to the causeway to the ferry terminal from points on the Vancouver Island archipelago across the Strait of Georgia, home to 1,400 aborigines, is bounded on the south by the small American portion of the peninsula below the 49th Parallel and on the north by a channel of the river delta.
Delta Communities
Delta comprises three distinct, geographically separate communities:
North Delta in the northeast houses over half Delta’s population. It is a mostly suburban area situated between Surrey and the Burns Bog.
Ladner started as a 19th-century fishing village in northwest Delta and expanded into a suburb. Historic Ladner is an active fishing village with restored 19th-century homes behind dykes that hold back the water of the raging river.
Tsawwassen on the ocean in southwest Delta is also suburban. Luxurious homes lining Tsawwassen’s coast reflect the economic growth of that community.
Historical Overview
Thomas and William Ladner in 1868 made a good investment in farming the area named after them. Farming and fishing sustained later settlers as the community grew. Delta incorporated in 1879 with the Village of Ladner as its administrative centre. Geography kept Delta relatively isolated until opening of the George Massey Tunnel in 1959 and redirection of BC Highway 99 in 1962 through Ladner to the tunnel linked Delta to the Richmond and Vancouver municipalities north of the river, ended the isolation, and drove an enormous population growth that brought many new schools and educational facilities to the district over the next 20 years.
The South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority operates a public transit bus system. SkyTrain rail stations in Surrey reach within a few kilometres of North Delta. Delta connects first to New Westminster and then to Richmond by BC Highway 91 over the massive Alex Fraser Bridge opened in 1986 and to Surrey, Langley, and all points east on BC Highway 10. Most car and truck traffic from Vancouver to the USA goes through Delta via Highway 99. Most traffic to Vancouver Island uses the BC Ferries service facilities in the Tsawwassen part of Delta.
Delta’s Boundary Bay Airport, Canada’s fifth busiest in aircraft movements is primarily for general aviation, commercial charters, and flying instruction. Vancouver International Airport, 15 miles to the northwest on Sea Island between Vancouver and Richmond, served in 2013 almost 18,000,000 passengers on daily flights to and from airports in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Economy and Sustainability
Agriculture remains vital to Delta’s economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Delta farms and food production facilities produce fruits and berries, herbs, honey, summer and winter vegetables, and meats. Farmers Markets are prominent. The Ladner Village Market is Western Canada’s largest. Delta encourages residents to grow their own vegetables. Several local nonprofit organizations make community garden plots available to residents with no land of their own.
The Fraser Delta area is a bountiful wildlife habitat that makes tourism a good investment as another major part of the economy. Burns Bog, the largest peat bog on the North American west coast, covers about 30 square miles in the east central part of the peninsula west of North Delta. The Burns Bog Conservation Society arranges tours through its trails and waterways. Over 200 migratory bird species stop at Burns Bog. The Delta Nature Reserve in the northeastern corner of Burns Bog has three loops of boardwalks and trails. Meanwhile, out on the ocean, many other tourists enjoy the pastime of whale-watching.
* District municipalities are those greater than eight square kilometers (five square miles) in area with a population density of fewer than 500 per square kilometer (800/square mile). At 141 square miles, Delta has the largest municipal land area in the district; its neighbour to the east, Surrey, is second largest at 122.
Prime West Ladner location on a private cul-de-sac street with Southern exposed yard. This is a fantastic 3 bedroom and 3 bathroom home with a formal living and dining area. Offering spacious rooms, gas f/p, laundry room and covered patio with gas BBQ line. Plenty of parking for 4 including double garage. Great 1st family home! Close to amenities, transit and Hawthorne school and park. OPEN SATURDAY MARCH 30TH 2:00 - 4:00.More details
Welcome to this stunning executive waterfront home, nestled in Ladner's serene Riverwest community. This 2-bed, 2-bath residence offers tranquility and luxury. The open floor plan seamlessly blends a generous living area, spacious dining room, and chef's dream kitchen with stainless steel appliances and ample storage. The highlight is the expansive wrap-around deck boasting river and mountain views. A generous 70 foot boat slip is included for boating enthusiasts or rent it out as a great source of passive revenue. Just a 10-minute stroll from the vibrant village center, with easy access to shopping and dining. Experience waterfront living at its finest—schedule your viewing today!More details
Let the Sunshine in! Fresh, Modern and so very BRIGHT!! One year old End Unit 1/2 Duplex at Boardwalk. Nothing beside you but Beautiful Sunset views, Mountains, playing field and Port of Vancouver lights twinkling at night. Upgrades include; laminate throughout, A/C, high end ceiling fan in living room, Commercial Grade Epoxy garage floor, 6 ft fencing (bring the pooch), Stunning Custom wood closet organizers, double cupboard in laundry room, glass in main bath shower, and security system. Open floor plan perfect for entertaining, 3 beds, 2 full baths up. Walking distance to Ocean walking trails, Outdoor pool, Gym, Clubhouse, Children Play Parks and more! Would love to welcome you to all this sun filled ocean community has to offer. Possible 2 Year Assumable Mortgage 3.14%.More details
Welcome to Ocean Row! The Gem of the Boardwalk Master Planned Community. Ocean Row Offers expansive water views and gorgeous sunsets on your roof top patio in this quite serene setting. This home offers an open floor plan, fireplace, overheight 13ft ceilings, Luxury Jennair appliances. The large primary bedroom opens up to a private balcony, the perfect spot for your morning coffee. Head up to the expansive roof top patio to enjoy quiet afternoon sun and fully equipped with fire bowl and gas bib for your BBQ. Amenities in the area include access to the Beach House with outdoor pool, hot tub, gym, yoga/dance studio, and much more. Oceanside trails are mere steps from your front door. Completion is expected Spring 2024. Shopping, Dining and all services nearby. No Speculation Tax.More details
Listed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd. and Rennie Marketing Systems
STUNNING 3 bedroom townhome with VIEW OF GOLF COURSE. This townhome offers nearly 1,500 sqft living space with open layout with living concept with contemporary style gourmet kitchen s/s appliances white cabinets w/gray stone island. Amenities include a club house, exercise center, outdoor pool, & board rooms. Close to the marina, golf course, yacht club & Neilson Grove Elementary. Enjoy the resort-style Marinaside lifestyle just a moment's stroll to an elementary school, yacht club, and over 12,000 sq ft of residents-only amenities at The Hampton Club.More details