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Tsawwassen throwback: Before the malls (PHOTOS)

Let’s take another step back in time to see what Tsawwassen’s commercial core looked like before all the shopping centres were added.

Let’s take another step back in time to see what Tsawwassen’s commercial core looked like before all the shopping centres were added.

The above 1964 Delta Archives aerial photograph of the corner of 12th Avenue and 56th Street shows the Tsawwassen Shopping Centre on the north-east corner, and the Beach Grove Golf course behind it at the top of the image. Construction on that shopping centre began in 1958.

The former Calvert property in the northwest corner of the intersection was bulldozed in 1965 to make way for the first Safeway Store.

Sod turning, and the removal of St. David's Anglican Church, for the building of the Delta Fair Shopping Centre on the southwest corner occurred in 1970.

In 1971 construction of the first two phases of Tsawwassen Town Centre began, which incorporated the Safeway Store and a government liquor store.

The third Boundary Bay School is located south on 56th Street on the east side.

 

delta optimist throwbacks

An August 1968 aerial view of the intersection of 56th Street and 12th Avenue, looking west towards English Bluff. The photo shows the new Safeway to the north of 12th Avenue as well as the shopping centre to the east of 56th Street, St. David Anglican Church and the third Boundary Bay School.

 

delta optimist throwback

The Tsawwassen Shopping Centre in 1970

 

delta throwback

A 1970 aerial photograph of the corner of 12th Avenue and 56th Street. The shopping centre on northeast corner is being constructed.