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.
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A rare opportunity to own a piece of 34.8 acre farmland on No. 3 Road and all the way to Gilbert Road! Build your dream home with beautiful green space or keep as an investment. A piece of productive farmland nestled between No. 3 Road and Gilbert just south of Steveston Hwy. Please do not disturb tenant. GREAT LOCATION RIGHT ON RICHMOND NO 3 ROAD. Virtual Tour https://youtu.be/9w_kYBKAKwgMore details
View property of Water, Mountain, and green field. One of kind in this unique location. Modern & sophisticated estate featuring a 8000 sf mansion on 18.76 ACRES prime water & mountain view Farmland! 3 acres of resort-like spa grounds, 1200sf pool, cabana, outdoor kitchen, heated terraces, state of art gym, fitness studio and 8+ car garage. Second to none in kitchens & bathrooms, theatre room, wine room, 2 full guest suites! Lutron lighting, slider oversize windows, imported marble. V-Net security, 12+ LCD monitors. View this tremendous jaw-dropping estate on acreage only 20 minutes from city.More details
WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY! 20 ACRE FARM/ESTATE in very strategic location! 5,500 sq.ft. home, new paint, new hot water radiant system, outbuildings, OPERATIONAL BLUEBERRY FARM! Many opportunities! Has been used as a fully operation nursery! Close distance to Tilbury Industrial Park, new South Fraser Perimeter Road, Highway 99! VERY QUIET LOCATION! Perfect farm setting! Home has room your extended family. Don't miss this one!More details
RARE almost square 17.34 acre parcel with 823 ft of road frontage and roughed in second driveway entrance offers an English style country home with recent new roof, exterior paint & carpets, 5 stall barn, hay field and a generous pasture area which has been an equestrian facility for decades. The property is located 5 minutes from Ladner or Tsawwassen, Tsawwassen Mills Mail, BC Ferries, TFN Industrial Park and 30 minutes to Vancouver. This property is part of the gateway to the port and offers amazing future investment potential siding onto 2 BC Rail properties beside the railway. Call L/S for further information.More details
Panoramic views of Fraser River & mountains from this stunning float home. Complete with secure moorage for your yacht & 3 car garage all on 132’ (Double Lot) of river frontage. Once in a lifetime opportunity to own this exquisite home. Conceived & designed by Architect Jennifer Heath & Designer Jane Dabrowski & Custom Built by Pinnacle Homes. This welcoming home is filled with light and ambience. Welcoming large and small groups of family or guests inside and out. Designed to showcase top quality finishes– solid walnut flooring and walnut feature walls & built-ins. Entertain to your heart’s delight in the gourmet Thermador kitchen designed to enjoy the unbeatable views while you cook and entertain on your 700 sq. feet of deck all warmed by gas heaters for all year enjoyment.More details
First time on the market! This home has been beautifully maintained by it's original owner. Pride of ownership is immaculate. This property is the Ladner dream with the main bedroom on the main floor. The layout of this home is incredibly well thought out and gives you all the space you need with 6 beds and 5 baths. Don't forget the breathtaking land scaping, drive way and three car garage! Sitting on 11.3 acres it goes right through to 40th where you can find a very large (over 30,000 sq ft!) storage shed. Get the privacy you're looking for while still being minutes from town.More details
Absolutely stunning 360 degree views on 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 details
View property! Prime West Ladner location! 18 acres farmland, very unique corner lot, big exposure to 40 St and River Rd, good for building a new home and operating a farming business. Short walk to Wellington Point Park to enjoy water and mounting views, beautiful sunset. Quick and easy access to Amazon Warehouse in Delta and Tsawwassen Mills shopping mall through 41B directly. The entire surrounding area is booming. It is a great place to live, work, and fulfill a balanced country lifestyle.More details
Situated in the Southland of Richmond, this is a rare find of an acre of land with a peaceful, private and tranquil setting. Perfect for the family to enjoy countryside living. Lovely country style interior decoration and furnishing. Remarkable for every detail throughout. Renovated kitchen and functional design. Beautiful plants and foliage surround the well maintained front and backyard. Oversized patio is perfect for guest entertaining. Three car attached garage add to your convenience. Close to golf course and Richmond best equestrian stables. Just 10 minutes to the centre of Richmond.More details