Land and People
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.
Information Links:
http://www.deltachamber.ca
http://sunnytsawwassen.ca
http://www.delta.ca
http://www.delta.ca/parks-recreation/sport-recreation/indoor-facilities
http://www.delta.ca/home-property-development/official-community-plan
Transport and Commerce
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.
New Delta Live MLS Listings
Delta, BC, Vancouver
-
3995 TRIM Road in Delta: Westham Island Land for sale (Ladner) : MLS®# R2847475
3995 TRIM Road Delta V4K 3N2 
$3,480,000Land Only- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2847475
Absolutely stunning 360 degree views on approximately 4.497 acres on prestigious Westham Island! Beautiful water views of the Georgia Straight and stunning, panoramic mountain vistas. Escape the city and build your dream home on this one of a kind property with a very exclusive location. Close proximity to charming Ladner village and a quick commute to Vancouver or YVR. Sit back and relax on your own private oasis. This property is a rare gem. Get back to nature, grow your own vegetables or run your successful agribusiness! Come and see all that the Westham Island lifestyle has to offer! More detailsListed by Dexter Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
4211 ARTHUR Drive in Delta: Ladner Elementary House for sale (Ladner) : MLS®# R2849690
4211 ARTHUR Drive Delta V4K 2W9
$2,499,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2849690
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,169 sq. ft.
Discover the epitome of modern luxury in this stunning 4,169sqft home with 5 bedroom, 7 bathrooms and breathtaking farmland views. Currently under construction, this residence offers the unique opportunity for buyers to customize colours and finishing. Enjoy the convenience of a legal suite for a mortgage helper. This home boasts engineered hardwood floors, quartz counters and exquisite millwork, creating a seamless blend of sophistication and comfort. Abundant natural light bathes every room, highlighting the high end finishes. Elevate your lifestyle in this customizable masterpiece. More detailsListed by Sutton Group Seafair Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
5092B BENTLEY Drive in Delta: Hawthorne House for sale (Ladner) : MLS®# R2846897
5092B BENTLEY Drive Delta V4K 4J9
$2,399,900Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2846897
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 3,508 sq. ft.
Newly built luxury home by quality builder I-Dream Homes. Desirable Bentley Drive in the sought-after Hawthorne neighbourhood. Walking distance to Hawthorne Elementary, transit and Ladner Town Centre. This home has a bright open concept functional floor plan with tons of natural light in the main living spaces. Top-of-the-line finishes throughout including engineered hardwood floors with radiant in-floor heating, extensive millwork throughout, nano doors for indoor/outdoor living, AC, gourmet kitchen with extra large work island, quartz countertops and herringbone tile backsplash, WOK KITCHEN and much more! BONUS: this home includes a 1 bed 1 bath LEGAL SUITE with it's own laundry. Detached 12' x 17' HOME OFFICE in the backyard. NO G.S.T. !!! More detailsListed by Sutton Group Seafair Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
5500 52 Avenue in Ladner: Hawthorne House for sale : MLS®# R2851952
5500 52 Avenue Ladner V4K 2C5
$2,399,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2851952
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 3,059 sq. ft.
eticulously built luxurious 4 bedroom,den and 4 bath family home by Reputable Builder Lentel Construction.Spectacular custom Great Room floor plan, 18' ceilings with cedar beams,huge windows and doors to allow natural light to brighten every corner with SOUTH facing Bakcyard.Large Gourmet kitchen,separate dining and more upgardes done by current owner include:German MHZ invisible blackout curtains,the SAVANT Smart Home automated system. Also,Home equiped with Outdoor Patio Heater, HRV, Surveillance system and EV Charger.Located in desirable west Ladner on a sunny, south, private, fully fenced large lot facing school green field. Enjoy the benefits as a BUILT GREEN homeowner including a healthier home environment, economic savings and more.Rare Find! Sat. OPEN HOUSE May 4 2-4 More detailsListed by Pacific Evergreen Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
4535 46A Street in Delta: Port Guichon House for sale (Ladner) : MLS®# R2874206
4535 46A Street Delta V4K 2M5
$2,280,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2874206
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,029 sq. ft.
Luxury living in the historic Port Guichion neighbourhood. This 3000+ sqft residence is brand new & built by the reputable team at Marquis Custom Homes, offering the perfect blend of modern design, style & functionality. Enjoy the generous great room with walk out access to the covered outdoor fire lounge + BBQ area. The Chef’s kitchen features premium appliances, alongside a prep kitchen - the ultimate space to host friends & family. The second level primary bedroom is grande with vaulted ceilings, a walk in closet & spa-inspired ensuite. 2 additional bedrooms are situated nearby. The third level offers a flexible recreation room w/ bar & full bathroom. Easy access to schools, shopping, dining, golf, highway, ferries / US border & more! Bonus: a legal 1 bedroom suite w/ kitchen & laundry. More detailsListed by Angell, Hasman & Associates Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
