Metro Vancouver’s newest mega-mall opens today
Posted October 5, 2016 7:36 am.
Last Updated October 5, 2016 11:44 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
SOUTH DELTA (NEWS 1130) – People have been eager for some time to check out the goods at Metro Vancouver’s newest mega-mall. The line-ups were long outside the Tsawwassen Mills shopping centre overnight as people braved dipping temperatures for the chance to be the first ones inside.
The mall is built on Tsawwassen First Nation land and it’s one of the biggest in the region at 1.2 million square feet of retail space.
#tsawwassenmills mall opens today. @CitytvNews @NEWS1130Traffic pic.twitter.com/voELu33n5F
— Danger On Air (@DangerOnAir) October 5, 2016
There is no direct SkyTrain service and there is limited bus service. “I know TransLink is trying to put together some kind of game plan for this but it is certainly not going to be convenient for many of the potential employees, especially if they don’t have cars,” points out Retail Consultant David Ian Gray with DIG 360.
Over 1,000 people in line now @TsawwassenMills. Mall opens in just over an hour. pic.twitter.com/DwIWQkG1Es
— Greg Harper (@GS_Harper) October 5, 2016
He adds there’s a reason the mall is situated where it is. Gray explains the shopping centre is considered a destination mall instead of one used just for convenience. He adds it’s modelled after previous centres set up outside of major centres in Alberta and Ontario that have been successful. “You’re going to be attracting a lot of attention and with the unique shopping you’ll pull a few more people, but I think predominantly, you’re going to be just a big trade area south of the Fraser [River.]”
Traffic tie-ups are a concern for police who admit all those shoppers could create headaches for drivers — especially those heading to the nearby ferry terminal and BC Ferries is also expecting heavier than usual traffic on Highway 17.
“We’ve been in many conversations with Tsawwassen Mills and they will have traffic control in place by the shopping area to direct motorists. Delta Police will also be on scene to make sure everything runs smoothly,” says Deb Marshall with BC Ferries.
Some have been sleeping over ahead of @TsawwassenMills opening. #Traffic could be a big mess, @GS_Harper there! https://t.co/pFonewFVsQ
— CityNews Vancouver (@CitytvNews) October 5, 2016
The mall’s grand opening runs until Thanksgiving Monday.
