284,000 shoppers visited Tsawwassen Mills during opening week

Oct 15 2016, 12:52 am

Tsawwassen Mills received 284,000 visitors over its first six days of opening, although there’s no word on how many are still stuck in the parking lot.

In a release, General Manager Mark Fenwick touted the opening of the new mall in Delta as a huge success – despite the parking ordeals faced by many shoppers.

“Our Grand Opening exceeded our expectations,” said Fenwick. “We’re thrilled that so many shoppers were excited by our unique mix of fashion, outlet and first-to-market shopping options.”

In its first four days alone, the new mall saw 201,000 shoppers flock to its stores; by comparison, McArthur Glen saw 160,000 over its opening weekend.

But despite – or because of – the mall’s popularity, the parking lot traffic was at a standstill for much of Saturday; some drivers stuck in their cars for up to four hours trying to escape.

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The Tsawwassen Mills parking lot has room for 6,000 vehicles, but only three exits. Fenwick thanked customers for their understanding.

“Thank you to our visitors for your patience and understanding during an extremely busy opening weekend,” he said.

“With the holiday season just around the corner, we’re looking forward to seeing many of our guests return in the coming weeks to find that special gift or winter fashion.”

It’s worth doing your homework before you head to Tsawwassen Mills however.

In a bid to prevent parking problems in future, the mall is posting a new map at each entry on large “highly visible” sandwich boards, online and at Guest Services.

And this weekend, there will be 14 Traffic Control Persons on-site to “ensure traffic is balanced leaving by way of the three exits.”

Plus, there will be “EXIT” signs mounted on light poles at the exits so “drivers know their exit point as they move around the inner ring road.”

A stop sign is also being removed at Entry 4 as you exit “to better move traffic at a 90 degree bend.”

If all that isn’t enough, Tsawwassen Mills shoppers are now asked to familiarize themselves with the three exit points, which are located near entries 4, 5 and 6:

  • #4 exits to Salish Sea Drive
  • #5 and #6 exit to Canoe Pass Way
  • Salish Sea Drive North to 41B and Deltaport Way is an option when Highway 17 is busy

And here’s that map. Good luck!

How to exit Tsawwassen Mills parking lot (Tsawwassen Mills)

How to exit Tsawwassen Mills parking lot (Tsawwassen Mills)

Jenni SheppardJenni Sheppard

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