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A deeper delving into the facts by this publishing body (and possibly even the press…) would have been in order I believe. - The minutes (Dec 3 2009) of the Corporation of Delta clearly indicate that the presentation made by Kwantlen's researchers was a generic one; there is but one mention of Southlands in the PowerPoint presentation (also publically available). There is no lobbying activity. This is not a claim, it is a fact. It may also be of significance to some that UBC also made a presentation to the Corporation of Delta on the same subject. - The MOU between Kwantlen and Century Group (also publically available) makes no commitment to either an endowment or a research space. It does indicate that these are a possibility in the future. Kwantlen respects the academic freedom of its researchers, and like almost all of Canada’s Universities and Colleges that engage in socially relevant research we do not put restrictions (other than those defined in Policy and Law) on them. This includes allowing them to engage in research as their consciences permit.

Jason Dyer, not having attended the presentation, would be unaware of the content of the presentation and is unqualified to make any comment on the alleged lobbying that Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been accused of. I would suggest that Jason Dyer is overstepping his authority on this matter that is now under internal investigation by the Provost at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. The facts are damning at the least and criminal at the most. Needless to say a policy of transparency and higher ethical standards are necessary to protect the reputation and credentials of my alma mater.

Here are the facts:

The entire theme of the presentation to the TAPC was dealing specifically with MEA (Municipally Enabled Agriculture) as it pertains to the Southlands. The Southlands mentioned (and illustrated) on 4 slides. Then a 'Professional Opinion' is given at the conclusion of the presentation that the Century Group's 1900 home development proposal on the Southlands is in line with the values of their research.

The KPU delegation never disclosed a (financial) connection with the developer.

The MOU was never made public by KPU. The only public disclosure was made by the developer (on his website) on April 9, 2010. This is suspiciously 19 days after the Freedom of Information request was made to KPU and nearly a full year from the date (May 20, 2009) that KPU President, David W Atkinson, signed the agreement. The FOI was the first time KPU made any disclosure of a public nature, the public in this case being a single individual.

The MOU 'specifically' commits Century to the following:

- Century commits to dedicating funds to create an endowment to support research in Urban Agriculture at the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture, Kwantlen, when the development application has been approved.

- Century commits to dedicating funds for a physical structure and the ongoing operation of a BC Centre for Urban Agriculture at the Southlands when the development application has been approved.

I'm embarrassed to write down what KPU has committed to so I will instead include links to all of the documents. Needless to say a deeper delving into the facts only illustrates the carelessness the executive of KPU has handled this nefarious agreement to lobby for a specific land development.

Without malice,
Elvis Glazier
Kwantlen Alumni
Chairman of the Kwantlen Millwright Advisory Committee
Committed to protecting the reputation of KPU through transparency.

LINKS:
Kwantlen - Century Group MOU

Freedom of Information Request

Kwanten Presentation to Tsawwassen Area Plan Committee

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