In our area "See BC" we will enlighten you as to the many splendid sights of Canada's most western Province - British Columbia.

Each week I will focus on a different area, so as to assist you to better understand the province and what it stands for.

If you would like to promote your specific area/region of BC, send your story along with any beauty shots for us to display. You will not only promote your part of BC - you will get the recognition you deserve.

So sit back and enjoy British Columbia.

Delta BC

Delta offers three distinct communities in which the culture is diverse and unique unto its own. The area is governed by Her Worship Mayor Lois Jackson and 6 council members and regular meetings are held at City Hall in Ladner on Monday's at 7:00 pm. Council meetings are televised by Delta Cable Television which is located in Ladner. Delta Cable Television serves all areas of Delta as well as Point Roberts in the US. More info on DCTV can be found by visiting www.deltacable.com

Sports in Delta range from Rowing to Ausie Rules Football, showing the diversity of its athletes in the area. While not all make it to the pro's Delta recognizes the likes of Gary Nyland who played in the NHL, Brad Lazarowich - NHL Linesman and Jeff Francis playing with the Colorado Rockies.

Before the first European settlers arrived, most of Delta was an often submerged marshland, with Coast Salish settlements in the highlands of North Delta and the western beaches near what is currently the Tsawwassen Reserve. Delta's first European pioneers arrived in 1859. They cleared land on the Fraser River shores in North Delta for farming. However, it was the foresight of two brothers, Thomas and William Ladner, who initiated the beginnings of the community of Delta. In 1868, each claimed 160 acres for farming adjacent to the Chilukthan Slough. This waterway was used for access between farms and the stern wheeler dock at Ladner's Landing, as there were no roadways. Produce was shipped to New Westminster and Victoria making Ladner's landing the hub of a thriving farming and fishing community.

1879 saw the incorporation of Delta, with William Ladner as its first Reeve. Floods in 1891 and 1895 inspired an ambitious diking and drainage project which successfully alleviated flooding in the lowlands. The rich, fertile soil produced bountiful crops and a thriving agricultural industry that remains strong today.

Modern extensions to the dike system ensure protection from flooding today. This enables many modern farms in the area to grow a productive and wide variety of different foods for all to enjoy.

Delta takes its name from its location in the Fraser River delta. On your next trip to the coast, stop in for a visit. You won't be disappointed!

Photo's courtesy of www.tourismdelta.bc.ca and Calen Darnel