Granum vows to protect Delta neighbourhoods and challenge Bill 44

DELTA, B.C.,
September 18, 2026:

Delta mayoral candidate Melissa Granum says Bill 44 is changing neighbourhoods across British Columbia, but it does not remove City Council’s responsibility to protect the things Delta residents care about most.

“Bill 44 is forcing density into neighbourhoods without adequate local planning or public input,” said Granum. “But residents should not be told that City Hall has no control. Delta still has important authority over height, setbacks, parking, trees and building design. Council must use those tools to make sure new development supports livable neighbourhoods.”

Granum said she will challenge Bill 44 and press the Province to restore meaningful public input and give Delta greater flexibility in how provincial housing rules are applied. But she said her first responsibility as Mayor would be to use the local authority Delta already has.

“Bill 44 may be provincial legislation, but its effects are local,” Granum said. “Municipal leaders have a duty to stand up for their residents, demand local control and make sure provincial decisions reflect the realities of our communities.”

Granum said blaming every neighbourhood concern on Bill 44 is not good enough. Delta’s existing development standards can establish and enforce matters such as parking layouts, building elevations, trees and setbacks.

“People are concerned about our trees, increased lack of parking, oversized buildings and development that does not fit the street or the neighbourhood,” Granum said. “Those concerns are real. A livable-neighbourhood approach means Council sets clear expectations, enforces them and makes decisions with residents.”

Granum will begin an immediate review of Delta’s existing Official Community Plan and hold accessible engagement sessions in Ladner, Tsawwassen and North Delta. The review will examine how the current plan is being implemented and whether it is delivering growth that works for each community.

“Delta can grow responsibly,” Granum said. “But residents need confidence that City Hall will use every tool it has to protect what makes their neighbourhoods livable. That is the leadership Delta deserves.”

Learn more at deltafirst.ca

Media Contact: Carrie Candy, Delta First PR Representative
ccandycomms@gmail.com • 780-953-8825