There's yet another twist in the seemingly never-ending debate over the future of the Southlands.

Mayor Lois Jackson announced Monday that a public hearing that began last week has been put on hold until next month.

Close to 300 people packed council chambers and the foyer at municipal hall for what was expected to be the fourth evening of the hearing on the proposed Tsawwassen Area Plan.

The most controversial element of the plan recommends Delta apply to the Agricultural Land Commission to have the 538-acre Southlands placed back in the ALR.

The speakers' list had only reached 90 after the first three nights of the hearing. As of Monday, almost 170 had signed up to have their say.

It was clear after the first three days how divisive the Southlands remains for the community.

A number of speakers talked about the positive attributes of the Century Group's housing/farming proposal for the property, while some urged Delta council to talk with Century president Sean Hodgins about his plan. Opponents, though, were steadfast in their determination not to have development on what they say is prime agricultural land.

Jackson said this week it's clear there was no community consensus and described the Southlands issue as the "elephant in the room" for Delta.

Saying even farmers didn't have one voice on the issue, Jackson said although there is a long history of controversy, she heard from many who said they want the community to move forward rather than revisit the past.

"There are, however, mixed feelings about the urgency to proceed. Some feel it is high time to put this decision to rest once and for all and without delay by applying to put the lands in the ALR," she said.

"On the other hand, many of you requested time to allow the community to fully understand the implications of this proposal and even perhaps to consider alternates. And there we are again, the elephant in the room."

Jackson said the message she heard more than any other was the need for further discussion before an ALR application.

"How do we get there? It was suggested that perhaps we can get there together. I heard there is willingness by parties to talk to each other. However, the public hearing forum does not provide for the type of dialogue that is really needed."

The mayor said the hearing would be adjourned until April 14.

By then, a report by a newly-formed "mayor's summit" would be available for input.

The forum for discussion and debate will include Jackson and one other councillor, CAO George Harvie, two representatives from Century Group, two representatives from the community that support the ALR inclusion application and one representative each from the farming and environmental communities. The other landowners affected will have an opportunity to appear before the summit to present their views.

Following the adjournment of the public hearing Monday, Hodgins told the Optimist he wasn't aware of the forum plan but is hopeful something will come of it.

He said he was also encouraged by the large show of support during the hearing.

"I was very pleasantly surprised and gratified. All I've wanted is a chance to find some compromise; maybe this is it," he said.

As far as working out a compromise from his 1,900-unit housing plan, Hodgins noted his proposal could be viewed as a starting point.

Southlands the Facts spokesperson Dana Maslovat also said he was surprised by the move.

"I guess the hope is the people involved representing certain areas of the community can come to an agreement and maybe the public will agree to it. If that happens, I think that would be great," Maslovat said.

"Given the polarity of this debate and given the divisiveness of this issue, I'm a little reluctant to think that may come out of it ...I think finding a compromise may be challenging for sure."

Michael Anderson, who spoke against the recommendation last week, was incensed at the move by council, saying the mayor changed gears when it was clear the majority of speakers were against the ALR inclusion.

"Once again it's council changing the rules in the hearing process. They're not liking the score, so they change the rules. That's OK if you're the queen of Delta, but if you're the mayor of Delta, it's outrageous," said Anderson.

Carole Vignale, who spoke at the hearing urging dialogue, said she's disappointed the forum will involve just a group of individuals rather than a public discussion on ideas.

Former councillor Doug Massey, who was planning to speak Monday, said he has doubts the forum will resolve the differences. He also said the Southlands needs input from a wider range of individuals because it's not just a Tsawwassen issue but a regional one as well.

Chris Herbst, who owns a five-acre property neighbouring the Southlands that was also included in the ALC proposal, said he's disappointed he's not a member of the new summit despite being a landowner directly impacted.

The public hearing, which will still have the ALR inclusion as the agenda item, resumes April 14 at the South Delta Recreation Centre at 7 p.m.