There's no doubt hidden agendas are at work to destroy valuable farmland and wildlife habitat in South Delta says Delta South MLA Vicki Huntington.

Interviewed on CKNW Radio Monday, that was the gloomy message by the independent MLA, who said she's disappointed the Tsawwassen First Nation decided to move in the direction of large-scale shopping malls.

The TFN has partnered with two private companies to build a pair of malls, Tsawwassen Mills and Tsawwassen Commons. They are scheduled to open in 2015.

"Not only is it this project, the mall itself, but there's a residential project envisioned that will probably develop about the same time, and they have a very large industrial component to the development that's occurring too," said Huntington.

"Obviously, a lot of people have said, 'How can you be disappointed? Isn't this a healthy move for TFN?' Of course I say, 'Yes, it is a healthy move for TFN and you can only wish them luck. It is a classic opportunity to engage in economic development and became a more independent and a healthy community. But from my perspective, it is the Fraser River delta and how much more it can bear."

Huntington said residents are rightfully concerned because the TFN projects will substantially change Delta, as well as the TFN community.

"They are building out their own treaty lands. They are not taking their time, they are doing it very rapidly, and I would say by 2020 they basically will have no land left."

Huntington said Delta "is the balance" between industrial and residential development to valuable farmland and ecosystems, but no level of government seems concerned what's taking place.

"You cannot willfully destroy an ecosystem, but that's what they're doing and that's why I'm fighting."

BUSINESSES MAKE GAME PLAN

DELTA - Delta is partnering with local business associations to try and mitigate the potential impacts of massive malls planned by the Tsawwassen First Nation.

The Ladner Business Association has established a committee to look at the potential impacts of both the South Fraser Perimeter Road and the TFN commercial development. As well, the LBA has teamed up with the Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association to come up with a comprehensive tourism plan and promotion strategy.

Chief Kim Baird said recently the TFN is committed to working with both business associations to minimize any potential impacts on local businesses. She said some informal meetings between the three parties have taken place so far but no formal plan has been outlined.

Coun. Ian Paton voiced his skepticism that anything could be done to help Ladner and Tsawwassen in the face of the massive development.

"I don't know how you're going to pull a rabbit out of a hat and do something to suddenly create a vitality in Ladner and Tsawwassen when this massive 1.8-million-squarefoot mall is going to go in."

Coun. Bruce McDonald pointed to Langley, where a smaller retail sector has managed to co-exist alongside massive development on 200th Street and the Langley Bypass.