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Say NO to Silverdale (Sprawl)

Posted by Michael Klassen on October 24, 2008 in Soapbox

Not sure if you've heard the debate about the Silverdale Urban Residential Area. There has been quite a ruckus during Mission City Council meetings, with the sustainability crowd arguing against this new sprawl development, and the developer arguing for it.

What the developer says reminds me of the recent piece I wrote about Dubai. You can add all the environmental bling you want, develop to "green" standards, but the fact is you are still creating car-based sprawl.

There are so many examples of how sprawl has failed communities all over this continent, it is almost shocking to think we're even considering this kind of development anymore. Sprawl should be against the law.

Sure, I sound like a city guy telling my suburban and rural neighbours how to build their world. But I see it as arguing for alternatives. Mission is a city that has really struggled in recent years due to social decay in its inner core. There is some evidence that their hard work to revive the city is working.

I think building a low density car-oriented development in a forest beside Mission in the long run will only hurt their chances of creating a sustainable and successful local economy. Mission should focus on developing its city centre in order to make it a vital hub, rather than building out its extremities.

Let's hope that Silverdale will look just as green in 50 years as it does today in this Google Earth shot. I hope Mission City Council votes "NO" to the Silverdale development.

Tagged: fraser valley, sustainability

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