September 11, 2026
An open letter to Delta’s business community from Melissa Granum
To the business owners, employers, entrepreneurs, farmers, tradespeople, service providers and industry leaders who help drive Delta’s economy:
I have spent time talking with many of you and from that, here are my commitments to you.
Delta’s economy is one of our greatest strengths. From Ladner Village and Tsawwassen’s commercial centres to North Delta’s small businesses, our agricultural land, our industrial areas and our connection to national trade corridors, Delta has the people, places and economic assets to build a stronger, more resilient future. But those strengths will not reach their full potential without a clear plan, stronger communication and a City that understands the realities businesses face every day.
Rising property values, property tax increases and lease costs are affecting both property owners and tenants, particularly where increased costs are passed through under commercial leases. At the same time, businesses are absorbing higher labour, transportation, fuel and operating costs. These ever-increasing costs are putting real strain on small-business margins.
That is why the question cannot simply be how much more the City can collect from taxpayers. The better question is how we grow Delta’s economy and tax base in a responsible way, without continually increasing the burden on residents and businesses.
Within my first 90 days, I will meet with local business associations and establish roundtable discussions with businesses in Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Delta and our industrial parks. I want to hear directly from business owners about the challenges they are facing, the opportunities they see and where the City can remove barriers, improve service or provide better support.
From this work, I will establish an Economic Development Advisory Committee, bringing together representatives from business, industry, agriculture, government and the community to help develop and oversee a five-year Economic Development Plan for Delta. That plan will include a data-driven and evidence-based assessment of major national projects that affect Delta, including port expansion, the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project and pipeline infrastructure with a terminus in our community.
Economic development is not just about attracting new businesses. It is also about helping the businesses already here succeed, expand, innovate and create more local employment. Some of Delta’s greatest future opportunities will come from supporting the companies that have already invested in this community.
My approach is practical: protect what is working, listen to the people using the system and continually look for ways to make doing business in Delta easier, faster and more predictable.
Before considering tax increases, the City will undertake a detailed budget identify operating efficiencies, spending priorities and opportunities to generate additional economic activity. One of the best ways to do that is by growing our commercial and industrial tax base, making better use of existing industrial lands and creating the conditions for responsible investment.
With all of Delta’s opportunity, it is necessary to have comprehensive, long-term strategy for what we want our economy to look like five, ten and twenty years from now.
A major part of that strategy must focus on the future of our industrial areas. We should be looking at where Delta can responsibly expand and intensify economic activity, improve infrastructure, attract investment and create opportunities in aviation, marine technology, advanced manufacturing, transportation, automation, robotics and the skilled trades.
We should also be working with colleges, technical institutes, private training organizations and employers to explore hands-on education and training opportunities that connect Delta residents to the jobs being created here.
Agriculture must remain an important part of any economic strategy. Diversification should strengthen our agricultural sector and create new opportunities for farmers without sacrificing the agricultural land that makes farming possible. Our province is dependent on Delta’s agricultural lands and protecting our food security must be a priority.
At the centre of these opportunities are industrial parks that must be attractive to business and their employees. Our industrial parks need to be enhanced with amenities such as gyms, restaurants and green space, access to professional services, and transportation to help people get to work easily and efficiently.
Improving our industrial parks to support future growth will be a priority.
Together, we can build an economy that supports local businesses, creates good jobs, protects what makes Delta unique and ensures both our business and residential communities benefit from responsible growth.
My vision for Delta’s economy is clear:
Make City Hall a more responsive partner for local business.
Create an Economic Development Advisory Committee to help develop and guide a five-year strategic plan.
Grow Delta’s commercial and industrial tax base to reduce pressure on residents and businesses.
Support existing businesses so they can expand, innovate and hire locally.
Protect agricultural land.
Attract responsible investment in emerging sectors, skilled trades and training.
Ensure major projects affecting Delta deliver real benefits for local businesses, workers and the community.
So many of you live in Delta, have raised your children here, employ Deltans, and donate to our local charities and sports clubs. You work incredibly hard to make Delta what it is. You deserve to be supported in your efforts.
Thank you for taking the time to read my message and look forward to building an incredible future with you.
Melissa Granum, MBA
Mayoral Candidate