2020 EDITION
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Welcome to the Neighbourhood An annual guide for newcomers to Langley
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Black Press Media files
SkyTrain is expected to arrive in Langley within the next decade, and both the City and Township are making arrangements for its impending arrival.
SkyTrain en route Langley preparing for rapid transit crease in value immensely. Council has given the nod to a Willowbrook Land Value SkyTrain is coming to Lang- Capture System that would ley, likely within the next 10 attempt to “capture” up to 75 years, and big changes are per cent of the land value inplanned before it gets here. crease. Expect new commercial and Possible methods could residential buildings designed include community amenity to take advantage of the procontributions (CACs), ongoing jected increased flow of people taxes, and special assessment to and from the Lower Maindistricts are among the ways land, along with new amenities Surrey has also been putting and services. similar rules in place to recapA new rapid transit service ture value of the extension. will represent a major step The line will run through Surup from current bus transit rey and Langley City on Fraser connections, making it easier Highway, but will be close to for people to commute to and the boundary with the Townfrom Langley to other Lower ship around 64th Avenue in the Mainland locations. Willowbrook area. Both the City and Township It was construction of the mean to be ready when the line Port Mann Bridge and the new from Surrey is extended down freeway through Langley that Fraser Highway to the area first made commuting a viable near the Willowbrook Shophome-to-work strategy, turning ping Centre. Langley into a bedroom comLangley City has an ambimunity. tious plan, the Nexus plan, that Today, the Township is home is designed to reconfigure the to more than 130,000 residents, downtown to best prepare for while the City has more than the arrival of this rapid transit 27,000. – positioning themselves as a While many still work outside regional hub linking the Lower of the municipality, there are Mainland and Fraser Valley. about as many jobs in Langley Langley City chief adas there are people in ministrative officer FranLangley’s labour force. cis Cheung has described Most work elsewhere the Nexus plan as a have relatively short “bold move” designed commutes to Surrey or to take advantage of a Abbotsford. “once-in-a-generation” While the Township Cheung opportunity. has land to continue “SkyTrain is a game development growth for changer and we need to be another 25 years, for the City, ready,” Cheung commented. it’s all about increasing density The City plans to borrow $10 and intensity of use. million a year over five years According to figures pubto buy land, improve facilities, lished by TransLink, over parks and trails, and make the next 30 years, the City of other improvements before the Surrey, City of Langley, and SkyTrain arrival. Township of Langley are exLangley Township hopes pected to welcome more than to leverage skyrocketing land 400,000 new residents and crevalues around the future rapid ate 185,000 additional jobs. transit line to help fund comMore than 79,800 people will munity projects such as parks, be within reach of using the libraries, and affordable hous- Fraser Highway line by 2030 ing. and by 2035, daily ridership is It is expected that when the forecasted to be 62,000 resultline is extended to Langley, ing from the increased land land in the Township – nearby use development along the Willowbrook area – will incorridor. Dan Ferguson dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
Langley Advance Times files
Townhouses under construction as part of the Emmaus Place affordable housing project in Langley Township.
Housing expands to meet growth Langley Township is one of fastest-growing B.C. communities Matthew Claxton matthew.claxton@langleyadvancetimes.com
There are two things you can always see on the skyline of Langley on a clear day – the majestic peaks of Golden Ears across the Fraser River, and construction cranes. Whether in Langley City, or in the Township neighbourhoods of Willoughby and Murrayville, there are sure to be construction workers busy putting up houses, townhouses, condos, or commercial buildings. In 2019, Langley Township had a record-breaking year for construction. The Township issued permits for buildings worth an estimated $867,477,563 – more than double the five-year average. That includes permits for more than 2,200 multi-family units – condos and townhouses – and 577 single-family homes. Some of those homes may not be built for several years, as developers in Willoughby are working on multi-acre sites that will take years to complete. Other homes approved in previous years are now completed or nearing completion. Between the 2011 and 2016 Canadian censuses, the population of Langley Township grew by 12.6 per cent. While Surrey and a handful of other communities had a higher number of overall newcomers, the Township’s growth rate was the fastest by a considerable margin, and almost
double the growth rate of Metro rapidly building parks, greenways, and other amenities to meet the Vancouver overall. demand as their populations have Langley City, which has long ballooned. grown slower than its larger The two communities have namesake Township, has also also tried to take some measures boomed in recent years. to address New condos the housing and towncrisis caused houses have by rapid price sprouted across POPULATI ON increases, inthe small community, just a cluding build■ TOW NS HIP OF L A NG L E Y little over two ing some social 2019: 130,924 miles to a side, housing, and 2018: 128,999 nestled bethe creation of ■ CITY OF L A NG L E Y Creek Stone tween Langley 2019: 27,718 Place, a supTownship and 2018: 27,595 B.C. Statistics the border of portive housSurrey. ing project for But the formerly homebiggest changes are those on the less locals. horizon. Data released in January by Both City and Township are B.C. Statistics showed that Langplanning for more transit, includ- ley Township reached a populaing buses and the eventual arrival, tion of 130,924, up from 128,999 in a decade or less, of a SkyTrain in 2018. The population measureline to Langley City. ments were taken in July. Langley City has been undergoSince 2011, the Township has ing a planning process to prepare grown at a rate of between 2.4 per for when the SkyTrain line comes cent and 3.1 per cent every year. This is the first time since the start down Fraser Highway and into of the decade the Township’s rate the original commercial heart of of growth has been below two per the community. cent. The need for housing comes Langley City, meanwhile, grew from the fact that Langley is on by 0.4 per cent, down slightly the outer edge of Metro Vanfrom 0.6 per cent in 2018. couver, and has more affordable The City’s total population was housing – relatively speaking – 27,718, up from 27,595 in 2018. than its neighbours. With a Canadian Census exThat means a rapid rate of growth that has caused some pected in 2021, a detailed count growing pains for the community. won’t be available until after that Both City and Township are year.
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Meet Langley’s welcoming party
This team of representatives is ready and eager to welcome new residents and businesses to town comewagon.ca). “We take out civic information about Welcome Wagon, if parks and recreation, you hadn’t heard, delibraries, that sort of livers baskets of good- thing. All newcomers ies to welcome new require that,” Walker residents in Langley. explained. The organization was She has been with inspired by the way Welcome Wagon for early settlers would 32 years, starting as a support newcomers, rep and now managing helping them succeed the Lower Mainland in the new environand Vancouver Island branches. ment. “And then the local The resources it businesses who spontakes to do well in a new community have sor Welcome Wagon, changed since then, they put a token gift but Welcome Wagon’s in the basket, which mandate to build a ro- can be anything from bust local community a tape measure to a is as strong as ever, Pat packet of cleaning supWalker told the Lang- plies.” ley Advance Times. Part of Welcome If you’ve recently Wagon’s mission is to moved to Langley help local economies – even if it’s from thrive. Brookswood to Walnut Langley is separated Grove – you’ll get a into three regions, so visit from a Welcome newcomers are introWagon representative duced to businesses with a complimentary that are in their new basket. neighbourhood – not (If they miss you, across town. request a visit at welThroughout her Zoe Ducklow Special to Langley Advance Times
Roxanne Hooper/Langley Advance Times
Welcome Wagon is represented in Langley by three local women, Gail Elgood (from left), Marya Jo Joliceour, and Noel Neufeld. three-plus decades with Welcome Wagon, Walker has seen them all, from local celebrities to hockey players. Once, she received a call from an elderly
woman. “I just wanted to tell you that I had a Welcome Wagon visit and they gave me a potted plant from the garden centre,” the woman
Welcome from the City of Langley A
s the Mayor of Langley City, I would like to share with you the many reasons why the City is my favourite place to be. Langley City is designated as a regional city centre, which means we have everything you need to live, work and play – all in 10 square kilometres. As a pedestrian-oriented urban centre, downtown Langley is an inviting and walkable area that offers one-of-a-kind dining options, excellent shopping at independent stores and boutiques, and numerous free events in McBurney Plaza and Douglas Park. Make sure you visit langleycity.ca to learn about all of the upcoming happenings we have to offer. Downtown Langley is also the civic heart of our community with Langley City hall, library, and Timms Community Centre serving as a central hub where people of all ages come together to access fitness opportunities, public information, and resources. Additionally, it is home to Cascades Casino Hotel and Convention Centre, one of the City’s largest employers, and a great place to enjoy an evening of dining and entertainment. Langley City also offers big-box retail shopping centres, a luxury auto mall, world-class educational opportunities, and 346 acres of natural parkland with 10 kilometres of trails within the City. As an avid photographer, Sendall Botanical Gardens, Brydon Lagoon, and Nicomekl Floodplain are some of my favourite spots to take pictures of flowers, foliage, and wildlife. We also have a wide variety of off-leash parks that dog owners such as myself can enjoy, including Uplands, which offers a tree-lined 800-metre gravel walking loop within the park. I hope by sharing some of the local spots that I cherish, that I have encouraged you to explore your new community. Visit langleycity.ca to find something that piques your interest! Mayor Val van den Broek, City of Langley
told Walker. “That’s really nice I said. When was that? And she said 1955!” Walker recalled the exchange with laughter.
“It struck me as funny. She was so sweet. She just must have looked at her plant and thought, I’m going to tell Welcome Wagon my plant is still alive.” It’s moments like that which remind Walker the baskets really have contributed to building community and welcoming newcomers in. “When a person is new to an area it’s quite bewildering because they really don’t know much about it. They settle in one place and they have to find things.” Walker had recently moved to Canada when a Welcome Wagon representative knocked on her door with a basket. “She had all kinds of things in there that were interesting to me, being new to the country and to the town. And then she said, ‘now take this coupon down to the furniture
store and you get a free pillow’,” Walker recalled. “She sat down for about half an hour and told me all about the town and explained the shopping patterns to me. It was really a nice thing.” Welcome Wagon in Langley also provides welcome services for businesses that have recently opened, moved, or had a change of leadership. Welcome Wagon provides visits and organizes events in more than 500 communities across Canada, including Langley. Anyone interested in learning more about the Welcome Wagon organization, recommending someone new to the neighbourhood for a visit, or looking to find out more about the business services or participation opportunities is asked to reach out through the national website at welcomewagon.ca.
Welcome from the Township of Langley H
ello neighbours! Welcome to the Township of Langley, an exceptional place that offers a unique mix of urban and rural lifestyles and landscapes, and honours the past as we create a sustainable future. Langley Township is the fastest-growing municipality in Metro Vancouver and it is easy to see why. Our community has gorgeous natural spaces, trails, and parks, exciting urban centres, and excellent opportunities for housing, education, and recreation. It is also one of the best places for work in B.C., with strong economic drivers like the newly upgraded Langley Regional Airport contributing to our thriving commercial climate. Home to 135,000 residents, the Township is a “community of communities” with six distinct urban hubs – Aldergrove, Brookswood-Fernridge, Fort Langley, Murrayville, Walnut Grove, and Willoughby-Willowbrook – all surrounded by beautiful rural land. In the Township of Langley, you can eat and drink local at agri-tourism businesses, stroll along the waterfront, shop in one of the largest retail centres in the Lower Mainland, enjoy a hockey game at the Langley Events Centre, or make a splash in the waterslides and tidal pool at the Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre, all in one place. A vital part of our province’s history, the Township is home to Fort Langley, “the Birthplace of B.C.,” where the proclamation created the crown colony of British Columbia was made in 1858. There is a lot to celebrate here and many free, family-oriented events are held throughout Township. Get to know your neighbours and join us for Arbour Day, Aldergrove Fair Days, Canada Day, May Day, the Langley Walk, Cranberry Festival, River Days, Fort Langley Jazz and Arts Festival, and the Langley Good Times Cruise-In car show, held every September in Aldergrove. For everything the Township of Langley has to offer, visit tol.ca or tourism-langley.ca. Mayor Jack Froese, Langley Township
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New future in store for Aldergrove
One neighbourhood: Revitalization efforts are afoot in the commercial core of eastern Langley Township finished outlining its distinct hopes and plans for the future of Aldergrove. Its core plan enviAldergrove, a community of sions friendly and walkable downmore than 12,000 people located town streetscapes with preserved along Langley Township’s eastcreeks, rivers, and watercourses. ern-most border, is entering a new Some of Aldergrove’s richest phase of growth. history is found in its farm comWith a mix of rural, industrimunity beginnings, with a number al, residential property – and a of berry farms, nurseries, greenmaturing small business sector houses, and wineries decorating downtown – this area, which uses its outskirts. Fraser Highway as its main thor“Aldergrove is one of the few oughfare, has a lot to offer. towns left that still has that comLast year, the Janda Group – munity feel,” Janda continued. owners of the Aldergrove Mall, And throughout the year, situated near Fraser Highway on various community groups – in271st Street – announced plans cluding the Aldergrove Business worth millions, to revitalize the Association (ABA) – volunteer heart of downtown. to restore its older downtown Director Sonny Janda expects facades. to break ground by next March, ABA president Jodi Steeves dewith new and enhanced Bertrand scribes a growing interest from inSarah Grochowski/Black Press Media Creeks trails to walk, places to vestors for downtown real estate. It’s predicted the downtown core of Aldergrove will look much different in the eat, transit, shop, and live – the She said in five years a “huge new Aldergrove Town Centre will wave” of revitalization is predict- next five to 10 years, as more investors are being drawn to this neighbourhood. erect mixed-use buildings up to 12 ed to hit town. storeys high. Regional Park, a full square mile Community Centre (ACUCC) “Developers are paying attenMuch to do in town of land that features native wild- first opened in August 2018. It’s tion now to Aldergrove,” Janda Aldergrove pays homage to its Otter Co-op Outdoor Experience life, wetlands, trails for biking, told eager listeners at a public current rural bliss with an annual hiking, horses, and multiple picwater park alone had more than gathering in early 2020. summer fair, which is supported 250,000 visitors during its first nic areas. The director mentioned the by generous local businesses – Notably, a multi-million-dollar summer season. exorbitant amount of interest who bring in crowds of more Fit for a community of hockrecreation centre was erected – he hears from other developers than 10,000 to headline concerts with help from generous local ey-lovers, the centre also features about plans to invest in its urban featuring bands such as Loverboy businesses, such as the Aldergrove a new NHL-sized skating arena redevelopment. (who performed last summer). Credit Union and Otter Co-op. with wrap-around seating, this faIn 2010, the Langley Township The area also boasts Aldergrove The Aldergrove Credit Union cility replacing the old Aldergrove Sarah Grochowski Black Press Media
Community Arena that sat on the border of downtown before it was torn down. ACUCC also features a sixlane, 25-metre competitive swimming pool, and a leisure pool – heated and covered by a canopy outdoors. Along with a hot tub, the aquatic facilities are open year-round. In 2017, the popular Langley Good Times Cruise-In charity car show also elected to relocate its annual event to Aldergrove. The two-day event had attracted tens of thousands of spectators from across B.C, Canada, and the U.S. and garnered a total of $169,000 net in economic activity for Langley, according to a 2019 Township report. In the last six years, between municipal infrastructure commitments, and federal and provincial funding contributed – Aldergrove has seen the investment of more than $140 million revitalize and transform its downtown business core, it revealed. Ultimately, the town – located just off the Trans-Canada Highway – has become a destination for all it has, including the 120acre Greater Vancouver Zoo, the huge Gloucester Industrial Estates that employs hundreds, and Metro Vancouver’s last remaining drive-in theatre.
Thoughtfully taking out the trash Recycling and composting are key to keeping garbage levels down Ronda Payne Special to Langley Advance Times
Both Langley City and the Township of Langley offer municipal trash services to residents. Residents in turn can help reduce the volume of items headed to the landfill by sorting trash into the appropriate containers for recycling, organic compost, and garbage pickup. Rick Bomhof, director of engineering, parks, and environment with Langley City, notes that the City provides residents with biweekly garbage pickup and weekly organic collection, plus it also arranges weekly recycling through Recycle BC. “All recyclables are banned from garbage,” he says. “In terms of greenhouse gas impacts, you put organics in a landfill, it takes a long time to compost. The goal is that people separate out any organics from their garbage and recycle as much as possible. Not a lot of material should be going into the garbage anymore.” Ryan Schmidt, manager of
Special to Langley Advance Times
More and more, Langleyites are being aware of what they’re throwing in the garbage, endeavouring to recycle and compost whenever possible. sustainability with the Township of Langley notes the region’s program follows much the same format as the City’s. Recycling and organics are collected weekly while garbage is picked up every second week. “We offer weekly collection of organic materials to residents within our garbage collection areas,” he explained.
“Acceptable materials [for organic pickup] include grass, leaves, yard trimmings, raw and cooked food waste, and food soiled paper such as paper plates, napkins, and pizza boxes.” Different areas of the community have their own pick up days. Both the City’s and the Township’s websites have a tool that allows residents to enter their
address to determine their pickup days. The websites also provide information about the right boxes, bags, and carts to use for the various waste items. Most of these collection containers are available through the City and Township. “In order to be good stewards of our environment and reduce our carbon impact, it is important that the Township provide these services and encourages residents to participate,” Schmidt said. “Both our recycling and organics collection programs offer collection of residential materials in unlimited quantities. It’s much better to recycle, repurpose, or reuse materials rather than send them to the landfill,” he said. The Township garbage and organics collection carts are important to keep track of, as they are property of the Township and are numbered and linked to each property they are provided to. “They should remain at their assigned property,” he said. “If you move, leave them behind. It’s costly to replace missing
carts. Residents can also help by ensuring that carts are stored in a safe area where they are less likely to go missing.” Bomhof recommends residents check the Recycle BC website at recyclebc.ca and use the search tool to help determine where various waste products go in terms of recycling, composting, or garbage. Simply enter the item and the search engine will return an answer on how it should be managed. The Township has a similar search engine on its site defining what goes where. “It is estimated that up to 70 per cent of our household waste can be either composted, recycled, reused or donated,” said Schmidt. “We appreciate all efforts made by residents as they participate in our waste-reduction programs.” Keeping items out of the garbage stream when they can be dealt with in more environmentally-favourable ways is an important way Langley’s residents can support their municipalities and the environment.
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Wednesday, March 25, 2020 G7
Shopping options plentiful around town Willowbrook Shopping Centre undergoes some major renovations to make room for new stores Dan Ferguson dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
Big names moved into the Willowbrook Shopping Centre this year, with Nordstrom Rack and Winners taking over the former Sears premises. Willowbrook expects Nordstrom will serve as a “destination” that will attract people from outside the immediate area served by the shipping centre. That follows opening of the Sephora store at Willowbrook in mid-February, as part of the French multi-national chain of personal care and beauty stores. The 1979-era shopping mall, featuring more than 130 stores at the intersection of Fraser Highway and Willowbrook Drive, has undergone substantial changes and upgrades during the past two to three years – and more is to come. In the works are a new 40,000-square-foot grocery store that will go in the former Toys R’ Us space
that was left vacant by the toy seller when it relocated to the former Target store premises at the south end. Plans also call for construction of new space for a “food precinct” that will have outdoor and indoor seating, and a selection of five to six larger style restaurants in the 2,500- to 7,000-sq.-ft. range, along with a few in the 1,000- to 2,000-sq.-ft. range offering varying styles of cuisine. Surrounding the shopping centre proper are several other malls, some of which have been expanded in recent years. Everything from a Bed Bath and Beyond to an Everything Wine, from an Indigo to RV and hot tub retailers are within the zone of the major commercial core that stretches out from the intersection of 200th Street and the Langley Bypass. Nearby is one of Langley’s oldest shopping districts is the Langley City’s downtown core, centered on the Fraser Highway’s one-
for sale each fall. Aldergrove, in the southeast corner of Langley (see story page 6), has its own commercial core around 272nd Street, and another around 264th Street. A major overhaul is pending, with approval of the Aldergrove Town Centre project that includes a high-density centre of up to 12-storey buildings – with condos above and commercial space on the bottom floor, as well as a parkade on the site of a shuttered shopping mall on 272nd Street and Fraser Highway. Special to Langley Advance Times There’s also Murrayville, Sephora opend in Willowbrook Shopping Centre this year, in a 3,854-square-foot retail store that close to the geographic hub includes a four-seat beauty studio. One of the lastest editions to the regional’s large indoor mall. of Langley on Fraser Highway, has several commercial way section between 204th restaurants and various tration of art galleries and plazas and a number of and 206th Streets, and on services. antique stories in Langley, doctor offices and medical nearby Douglas Crescent, North of Willoughby, and a wide variety of shops services close to Langley Memorial Hospital. Salt Lane, 56th Avenue, and across the Trans-Canada selling paintings, jewelry, And in southwest LangGlover Road – boasting Highway, a series of shop- furniture, and artisan foods. ley, the Brookswood and dozens of unique shops, The Cranberry Festival ping centres line 88th Avservices, and restaurants. remains one of the village’s Fernridge neighbourhoods enue – between 200th and have small commercial North of Willowbrook 212th Streets in the Walnut biggest commercial events cores with stores and is the Willoughby neighof the year, with vendors Grove area. of all types, and of course, eateries at 24th and 40th And to the east is Fort bourhood, and Willoughby Avenues on or near 200th massive amounts of fresh, Town Centre, an expanding Langley, a historic village Street. locally grown cranberries with the highest concenshopping plaza with local
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Langley attractive to industrial sector
While most communities in the region are running out of available land, Langley still has some residential, and land that can’t be touched because it’s in the Agricultural Land Langley, like the rest of Reserve (ALR). the Lower Mainland, is Something needs to be beginning to run out of in- done before we “hit that dustrial land. wall and run out of land,” Greater Langley ChamWhite commented. “I think ber of Commerce director there’s a lot of talk about it, Garth White, a commercial but little action.” real estate broker with A report by the GreatAvison Young Commercial er Langley Chamber of Real Estate, said there is Commerce described the “nine to 10 years of supshortage of industrial land ply,” that could be exhaust- in Greater Vancouver as ed by 2030. “severe” and said preservaAs industrial land gets tion of the existing stock harder to find, it’s becomcannot be accomplished by ing more expensive, with local governments alone, prices rising an average of but will require regional 11 per cent a year, White cooperation and provincial noted. leadership. Locally, with the U.S. bor- Langley’s City has run out der on one side and moun- of vacant sites in its industains on the other, there trial land, while the Townisn’t as much space comship’s three main industrial pared to other metropolitan sites only have a “limited” areas, White observed. amount of unused space. Beyond geography and A post by the Metro Vanborders, White says the big couver regional authority issue is one of policy. agrees there is an impendThere is space, it’s just not ing shortage of industrial being utilized, according to land, calling it “crucial to White, who points to the support a prosperous, susloss of large industrial sites tainable regional economy,” that have been re-zoned for with roughly one in four Dan Ferguson dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
Metro jobs – about 23 per cent, or 275,000 – located on industrial lands. Used mainly for manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, wholesale trade, retail trade, and professional and technical services, industrial lands provide for the day-to-day needs of the region’s population with services like vehicle repair, industrial laundry services, catering companies, breweries, and couriers. Langley Township’s Gloucester Industrial Estates is at least 90 per cent
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one of the biggest players, opened 250,000 square feet of combined studio facilities in a former window PFG production manufacturing site two worker Mohit years ago, that can handle Sharma picks up filming three TV series or finished glass features at the same time. It from a tempering recently announced it wants machine at the to build a new 600,000-sq.Langley factory ft. facility in Langley. in Gloucester That, combined with its Industrial Estates. existing facilities, would make the Langley company the largest studio operator in Metro Vancouver. Special to the Langley Advance Times Langley is the number two filming location in full, not including land that which left a 100-year relawas meant to be reserved tionship with Vancouver to B.C., second only to Vancouver. for a golf course that was set up shop there. Langley Regional Airport never built. EV Logistics also centres (YNJ) is another industrial The landowner is hoping its distribution for Overto scrap plans for the golf waitea and Save-On Foods hub. It is a centre of excellence for helicopter and course and make more land at Gloucester. available for industrial tenLangley’s industrial base general aviation business. ants. is diverse, with applied tech- With up to 100,000 rotaGloucester offers a conve- nology and manufacturing, ry and fixed-wing traffic movements per year, YNJ nient location alongside the agriculture and a large is one of the busiest generfreeway, which has made number of horse-related it a hub for transportation businesses serving the horse al aviation airports in the country, home to 55 aviaand warehousing for com- capital of Canada. tion businesses providing panies like General Motors, Television and film proeverything from chartered which operates a major duction companies have helicopter and fixed-wing warehouse and distribution been snapping up usable centre there, as does Tim space throughout Langley. flights to aerospace innovation and manufacturing. Hortons, and the Sausage, Martini Film Studios,
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Welcome from the MLAs for Langley East and Langley
W
elcome to Langley! As Members of the Legislative Assembly representing Langley and Langley East, it is our pleasure to extend our personal welcome to you. Langley is one of the fastest growing communities in the Lower Mainland, made up of the Township of Langley and the City of Langley. Langley is a great place for newcomers to raise their family or start their new business. Our community offers a unique blend of country living and an expanding urban centre. Langley has an enviable reputation of volunteerism with people from all ages and walks of life devoting countless hours to make our communities a better place to call home. As your MLA, our role is to represent you at the legislature in Victoria. We also have our constituency offices in Langley to serve your local needs. If you require assistance with any province of British Columbia program or service, please do not hesitate to contact either one of us through our constituency offices: Rich Coleman #130 – 7888 200th St. Langley, B.C. V3A 4G4 604-882-3151 rich.coleman.mla@leg.bc.ca and Mary Polak #102 – 20611 Fraser Hwy. Langley, B.C. V2Y 3J4 604-514-8206 mary.polak.mla@leg.bc.ca Thank you for choosing the Langleys as your home. We wish you much happiness and all the best in your new community.
Rich Coleman, MLA Langley East and Mary Polak, MLA for Langley
Both LEPS staff and volunteers tend to the community gardens to make sure they have prime growing conditions for users.
Langley Advance Times files
Demand growing faster than flowers Langley Environmental Partners Society reports up to 15 plus gardens Ryan Uytdewilligen ryan.uytdewilligen@langleyadvancetimes.com
Demand keeps on growing for community gardens around Langley – so much so, brand new ones are set to soon open to keep up with eager gardeners in town. “Just as fast as they are being built, they are being filled,” said Nichole Marples, executive director of Langley Environmental Partners (LEPS), which oversees many of the local gardens. With denser populations in many of Langley’s neighbourhoods, there is less yard space available for many people, said Marples, “but they still want to grow their own food.” “Some people say they can save money,” she said, “but mostly, it’s for health: fresh food, fresh air, getting your hands in the soil, and also that ‘I grew it myself’ pride.” Consequently, she reiterated, “Community gardens are booming.” “There’s a fair number now,” she said, adding that all of them have wait lists for people hoping to get their hands dirty in a bit of soil they can call their own. Douglas Park is the newest plant-able green space, set to officially open to planters in the spring; already, there’s a waitlist to rent a piece of it. Rotary Centennial Park isn’t even constructed yet, but still, people are already putting their name down for a plot. Even if someone can’t rent
a plot this year, Marples suggests that anyone interested in getting a garden plot should get their name on a waitlist now. For LEPS gardens, all who already have plots get dibs for the following year. But some people move, Marples said, or they give up their plots for a number of other reasons. Those are reassigned to top of the waitlist for each garden. There are guidelines – “expectations for appropriate use and care of plots,” Marples explained – that gardeners are required to follow. Most of the gardens are quite public, she said, so they have to look presentable. Weeds from an unkempt plot can contaminate neighbours’ vegetable beds, and the gardeners have to maintain peaceful co-existence. If fellow gardeners complain, Marples said, the result can range from a warning to removal from the next year’s plot assignments. Not all of the 15 community gardens listed at LEPS. bc.ca/community-gardens, each with about 25 to 40 plots, are managed by LEPS, Marples explained. “Quite a few are managed individually or by garden associations.” Marples and her colleagues try to keep the list updated with all the gardens they’re aware of. Langley’s first community garden was started in Murrayville by people who came to the LEPS Demonstration
Garden with a request. “We started with ‘grow-arow’ where just one row of the garden could be tended by someone,” said Marples, who has been with LEPS for 21 years, “and eventually that grew into negotiating with the Township to create community gardens.” Now the Township has a mechanism in which people can request a community garden, said Marples. “They have to be the sort of champion for the area. The Township will put in the infrastructure and build it, but you have to have an association of volunteers to manage it.” The Langley Demonstration Garden, whose educational goal is to demonstrate sustainable gardening techniques, was one of the very first project LEPS and the Township of Langley went together on, in 1992, said Marples. It actually pre-dated LEPS by a year. Located in Murrayville for its first 20 years, the garden recently moved to the Derek Doubleday Arboretum. “That space is really growing,” said Marples, “so we’re getting a lot more people than when it was a little garden tucked into a treed area in Murrayville. Now it’s in a public park that has a lot more activity around it. We get a lot of visitors.” Workshops and seminars inform both veteran gardeners and those less experienced about environmentally sound practices.
GAR DENS CUR R ENTLY LI STED AT LEPS ■ A LDERGRO V E: Aldergrove Athletic Park ■ DEREK DO UBLEDAY A RBO RETUM: Fraser Highway between 216th & 208th Streets ■ FO RT LA NGLEY: Fort Langley Community Park ■ LINWO O D: 201st Street and 55A Avenue ■ MICHA UD: Michaud Crescent, east of 201st Street ■ MURRAYV ILLE: 224th Street and Old Yale Road ■ NO RTHEA ST GO RDO N: 6690 201th St. ■ NICO MEKL: 20050 53rd Ave. ■ RO UTLEY: 19833 70th Ave. ■ TO PHA M PA RK: 21555 91st Ave. ■ TRINITY WESTERN UNIV ERSITY: 7600 Glover Rd. ■ UGRO W: 8181 252nd St. ■ WA LNUT GRO V E: Walnut Grove Park ■ WILLO UGHBY: 20525 72nd Ave. ■ YO RKSO N: 20542 84th Ave.
I N F O ON L I N E : www.leps.bc.ca
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Horses still important to Langley
Langley strong in all things agriculture, with new movements helping support the sector Ronda Payne Special to Langley Advance Times
Langley Advance Times files
A few Norwegian Fjord horses, one of the oldest breeds in the world, call a South Langley farm home.
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Canada’s 2016 Census of Agriculture found that the Township of Langley has the most farms in Metro Vancouver. But, like other communities, there is an ongoing push-andpull over the preservation of that farmland. One of the indicators of this agricultural struggle – that Langley residents may have noticed – is a reduction in the number of horses seen out and about on community trails and in fields. Kelly Coughlin, senior program director with Horse Council BC based in Aldergrove, said the region is unlikely to be considered the “horse capital” it once was known as. But, there’s still a lot of equestrian activity still happening in the Fraser Valley. “We may not have the same amount of horses, but we certainly have a lot of horses in Langley,” she said. Fortunately, for those who are more equestrian-minded, there are also plenty of resources still to be found in
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the community, according to Coughlin. “There’s lots of barns to take lessons at because of pony club and 4-H,” she said. “And there’s lots of places for people to ride if they don’t have their own horses.” She notes that equestrian organizations in the community like Thunderbird Show Park help keep horses in the public eye. “The facility’s great,” she said. “They offer so many opportunities for clubs to show and educational clinics. We have a very good therapeutic riding facilities in Langley [Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association and Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities] as well, so there’s lots of opportunity for all scopes of riders.” Milner Downs Equestrian Centre is another show park where there are activities hosted throughout the year. More information about clubs in the area can be found on the Horse Council BC website at hcbc.ca and include: Langley Pony Club, Langley Riders Society, Aldergrove Back Country Horsemen, Campbell Valley
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Pony Club, Glen Valley Pony Club, Hazelmere Pony Club, the BC Standardbred Horse Adoption Society, and many others. “The best thing is to go to our website,” Coughlin said. “We list local coaches and riding facilities. There’s lots of information. Or they can just call us.”
Dykeman, a specialty poultry farmer with Freedom Fields Farm. “I’m a farmer who is also really involved in my community,” she said. “We have a passionate farming community here in Langley.” Langley had a farmers institute in the past, but it dissolved about two decades ago. The resurrection falls in line with the need for other agriNot just about horses culturally-oriented organizaThe biggest reasons for the tions in the community. decline in equestrian numbers The Langley Sustainable are the same as those responsible for the shifts in the agri- Agriculture Foundation procultural landscape as a whole: vides events to strengthen the pressure on farmland for food and farming. The Langley Small Farm different uses, the costs of Network is on Facebook and farmland and farming, and shares resources and activities less agriculturally-minded like information to support people living in the region per small-scale farmers. capita. There’s also the Langley While reductions in farmEnvironmental Partners Soland and agricultural activciety, which has a number ities are apparent, there is a of agriculture resources and strong movement within the activities. Langleys to support the secWith these organizations tor and keep it strong. there is support for farmers One of the newest organiin Langley, but many, like zations to step up and help farmers is the Langley Farm- Dykeman will confirm there is still more work to be done ers Institute. to give farmers the help they The organization’s inauneed to succeed now and into gural president is Megan the future.
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Hospital expansion on schedule
Langley Memorial is getting an updated emergency room, and new MRI suite by early 2021 Matthew Claxton matthew.claxton@langleyadvancetimes.com
To support a growing population and health care demands, Langley’s only hospital is undergoing some big changes. In March 2017, it was announced that the emergency department at Langley Memorial Hospital is being expanded and upgraded, and a new MRI suite is being added. Construction on the hospital began last January, and is slated to be completed by early 2021, said Terra Scheer, Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation communications manager. “Right now we have broken ground on the actual hospital site,” she said. “So, we are at the stage where we are rebuilding the parking roundabout for drop-off area to make it convenient while we’re building the new emergency department.” Scheer added the project is on track according to the initial time frame. In total, the emergency department project costs approximately $40-million, with Fraser Health contributing just under $30-million towards the project, and the Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation covering the rest. In addition to the expanded emergency department, the Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation upped its $10-million fundraising goal to $15-million to pay for an MRI machine and suite. Right now, the hospital does not have an MRI suite, so patients are referred to Surrey and Abbotsford, with a wait time of approximately 18 months. “With the new MRI suite within the first year, we are going to be able to bring the wait time
From
Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation
Construction continues with fervor on the new emergency department and MRI suite opening in 2021 at Langley Memorial Hospital. down to six months or less,” explained Scheer. “Because it’s located here on-site, we will be able to take emergency cases over to the MRI suite quickly and without a lot of pressure on resources,” she added. Scheer said the foundation has raised about 85 per cent of the total goal. “We’re still talking to our donors and our community and asking them for support,” she added. “The care is good, but the space is not.” The foundation is hosting another gala in May to continue raising money for the campaign. According to Fraser Health, the expanded emergency department means 49 treatment spaces, a separate pediatric waiting area for children, and different entries to separate walk-in patients from those who arrive by ambulance to increase privacy. A separate treatment area will also be built for mental-health and substance-use patients.
“As Langley continues to grow and thrive, hospital services must keep up to the increasing demand for emergency services,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. According to Scheer, the hospital hasn’t had any major changes or updates in the last 30 years. “In Langley, we’ve needed this for a very long time. When it was built the size it is now, it was built to accommodate 68 patients a day, and we see 128 patients in a day. So the need is there,” she explained. Since the announcement, multiple donors have come through to support the project and various fundraisers have taken place. Most recently, the foundation hosted their second annual South Asian-themed Giving Hearts Gala last February that raised more than $150,000. Money was raised to purchase wheelchairs and mobility equippment for seniors. Hospital updates, and tickets for the upcoming gala can be found online at https://lmhfoun-
dation.com/.
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Beyond the hospital
In other health care news, the Langley Hospice Society received a $5-million grant from the B.C. government towards the costs of a new 15-bed hospice residence, which will replace the 10-bed facility on the Langley Memorial Hospital grounds. Currently there is no definitive date for when the construction of the new hospice will start. Aside from the hospital, resi-
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dents can also turn to the Langley Public Health unit located at 20389 Fraser Highway for services such as prenatal and postnatal check-ups, childhood immunizations, nutrition counselling, hearing clinics, substance abuse programs, and other health-related services. The unit is open Monday to Friday and can be reached by phone at 604-539-2900. Other health services around Langley include numerous doctors, and several walk-in clinics.
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Curriculum aims to prepare kids for life Langley boasts a plethora of public elementary, middle, and secondary schools, as well as private institutions
Joti Grewal joti.grewal@blackpress.ca
Long division and essay writing aren’t the only skills students in Langley are armed with after graduation, the district is creating opportunities for kids to exercise their creativity and innovation. Langley School District is working to create opportunities for students to develop skills that will support them in transitioning into a rapidly evolving world, explained superintendent Gord Stewart. “The redesigned B.C. curriculum has an emphasis on the core competencies, which really are the skill sets that will best prepare students for whatever the job market will look like when they enter it,” Stewart said. While it’s still important that local public schools offer a healthy dose of history, literacy, numeracy, and other core academic subjects, education has changed to be more about preparing students to be
able to be problem solvers and information seekers. “Skills such as creative thinking, critical and reflective thinking, collaboration, and communication – among others – are skills that we are intentionally developing in our students in Langley.” This year, the district held 2020 Langley IDEA X Challenge aims to inspire students to come up with ideas and solutions for a proscribed problem or issue. This district-wide challenge calls on students to “design a future Langley that could exist in 50 years, which is environmentally responsible and earth-conscious while honouring what is important to today’s residents.” “Students from K-12 are embarking on project work in various ways, where they take an idea and work through the design thinking process… to allow them to experience a real-world
process and to develop their skills along the way,” explained Stewart. The students will hone their ideas, which incorporates various skills and subject areas, and present their projects to experts at an IDEA Summit slated for later this year. Through in-class and extra-curricular opportunities, students are encouraged to become active learners, pursuing topics that interest them at the same time as growing into young people who care about themselves, their communities, and their world. The academics are important – the district tracks trends and makes changes to try and improve education outcomes – such as graduation rates, success outcomes for First Nations students, successful transitions between grades and schools, and more. The district also helps students make the most of their education through its choice programs, such as French
Immersion, outdoor education, fine arts, fundamental, Montessori, U-Connect, and its specialty academies (hockey, baseball, softball, international baccalaureate, musical theatre, and fine arts). Partnerships with other schools and agencies means Langley students can take their high school courses at the same time they are taking higher-level education or gaining credits and experiences with apprenticeships. Those courses include carpentry, automotive, electrical, hairstyling, horticulture, piping and plumbing, and professional cooking. Langley is a growing community so it is no surprise the district has experienced significant growth through the years, as well. In the last three years there has been a fiveper-cent increase in the student population. In September 2019 the district opened its doors to a new R.E. Mountain Secondary, while reconfiguring the old R.E. Mountain
“The district encourages families to visit our district and school websites to learn about all of the programs and initiatives happening in our school communities… our district social media channels are another great way for families to view the highlights and be inspired,” Stewart noted.
Private alternatives
building and transforming it into Peter Ewart Middle School. “The addition of these schools has relieved some of the enrolment pressures on the Willoughby Slope, which is one of the fastest growing neighbourhoods in the region,” Stewart said. In 2021 the district
In the meantime, Langley is also home to a number of private schooling options, starting with preschools and daycares, and including the Ecole des Voyageurs offering K-12 in North Langley. There are a series of Montessori schools throughout town, plus the Langley Forest School. expects to open a new And, there are a few elementary school in number of faith-based the South West Yorkson area of Langley, he institutions, including The Kings School, added. Fraser Valley AdThere’s loads of inventist Academy, St. formation about the district, its various pro- Catherine’s Catholic grams, specialty acade- School, Credo Chrismies, events, consulta- tian, as well as Langley tion topics, and links to Christian’s elementary, related education sites middle, and secondary schools. at www.sd35.bc.ca.
Two universities educate thousands in Langley
TWU and KPU are both located along Glover Road
and faculty offices. It also feature close proximity to SkyTrain and convenient access to restaurants and services available in the mall. Enrolment has continued to grow in Richmond as a result of the expansion, said James Joti Grewal Tweedy, executive director of joti.grewal@blackpress.ca marketing and communications. “In Langley, we are also apLangley is home to two univer- proaching capacity for both resisities that offer an expansive list dences and academic space – even of different programs and learn- with the addition of two new ing opportunities. dorms in the last two years – JaLangley’s faith-based univercobson Hall and Skidmore Hall. sity, Trinity Western University We anticipate that need to further (TWU), has its main campus at accommodate this growth by Glover Road and the Trans-Can- adding to our existing facilities,” ada Highway in Langley, and it he said. recently expanded its footprint in Those facilities include the conRichmond. struction of The Robert G. Kuhn TWU developed an extension Building, which is slated to open campus on Minoru Boulevard July 2021. in Richmond five years ago and “We’re excited as this building is earlier this year opened a second a significant addition to the acacampus in the nearby city – just demic space of the university as it blocks away from the first. houses both the School of BusiLocated on the second ness and TWU Global – that is floor of Lansdowne Centre, a home to our non-traditional and 20,000-square-foot space has been international programs,” Tweedy renovated into a learning space said. offering 11 classrooms, a learning As a Christian liberal arts unicentre, project rooms, courtyard, versity, TWU offers a range of
has grown to five campuses and offers more than 120 programs to about 20,000 students. “KPU is proud of the many vibrant and unique programs it offers at its Langley camp,” said Sucheta Singh, media specialist with the university. Students in the faculty of science and horticulture can graduate with a brewing and brewery operations diploma – the only one offered in the province. “[It] was created to meet the unprecedented demand for knowlTrinity Western University /Special to Langley Advance Times edgeable, trained brewers with Trinity Western University has three campuses, the main one in Langley. an education in brewing science in the rapidly growing craft beer undergraduate, graduate, and cer- online, or a combination of both. industry,” Singh explained. Students study the science, art, tificate programs in a variety of “We’ve experienced growth in and business of brewing, she disciplines, Tweedy explained. all areas over the last few years, “From biotechnology to game with our business and leadership added. In fact, in 2019, KPU was named brewery of the year at the development to professional programs showing the most sigdegrees in nursing, education, nificant increases,” Tweedy noted. B.C. Beer Awards. In addition to the acclaimed business and human kinetics,” he Meanwhile, a few kilometres brewing program, KPU’s Langley elaborated. south, Kwantlen Polytechnic campus also offers horticulture TWU also offers programs in University (KPU) is beginning natural and social sciences, as well the process of developing its first and music programs, business and as the arts. master plan for the Langley cam- nursing courses, and others. For more information about the Those looking for more flexible pus, which will serve as a vision options can consider adult degree for its development and growth to Langley-based universities and programs offered visit kpu.ca or completion and leadership prothe year 2050. twu.ca. First established in 1981 KPU grams that are delivered in-class,
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Wednesday, March 25, 2020 G15
Making it easier to get around Langley
Unveiling of rail crossing alert signs and completion of the new 216th Street interchange should help Dan Ferguson dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
In March, six long-delayed digital railway crossing signs to help drivers avoid train traffic went online in the City of Langley, Township of Langley, and Surrey. Called the Railway Crossing Information System (RCIS), the system aims to reduce traffic tieups by alerting drivers, on specific roads, when a train is approaching a level crossing – so they can divert to one of eight overpasses. Originally, they were supposed go up in 2014, as part of the Roberts Bank Rail Corridor project that built overpasses across train tracks in Langley. But, bids for the project came in higher than expected, and that, along with what was described as “technical challenges,” caused delays. Congestion at the level crossings is expected to increase as train traffic to and from the DeltaPort container cargo terminal in Ladner rises. That’s the latest transportation news in Langley. But when it comes to getting around the community, there always appears to be something happening on the transportation front.
will get bigger as you head east, and bigger avenue numbers mean you are heading north. Major roads tend to be spaced every eight blocks, so 200th, 208th and 216th Streets (for example) are all major north-south routes. A popular and busy route is 16th Avenue, which runs from the Langley border with Abbotsford to Highway 99 and the Blaine border crossing in Surrey. It crosses 264th Street, which leads to the Aldergrove border crossing, open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight. And local transportation isn’t Langley Advance Times files all about vehicles and trains. Work continues on the new interchange at 216th Street and the Trans-Canada Highway. It’s slated to open spring 2020. On 216th Street, near 56th Avenue at the Langley Regional Airdoor, shared ride service for pas- Trans-Canada Highway. For instance, for commuters, a port, there’s a new $10-million, Some of that congestion should 55,000-square-foot building housnew B-Line bus route now prosengers with physical or cognitive vides high-frequency, limited-stop disabilities who are unable to use ease with a new $59-million 216th es a state-of-the-art, three-storey Street overpass currently under conventional public transit. service connecting the Langley terminal with a new airport conTo sign up, call 604-953-3680 or construction. Centre transit hub at Glover trol tower. For drivers who are new to Road and Logan Avenue to Sur- visit www.translink.ca and click With up to 100,000 rotary and Langley, there is often a period of fixed-wing traffic movements a rey Central Station, where riders on “rider guide.” adjustment to a road system that year, the Langley airport is one And, of course, Carvolth – the can transfer to the SkyTrain Expo park and ride located at 86th Av- turns and twists to accommodate of the busiest general aviation airline. For people with mobility chalenue and 201st Street – is always rail lines. ports in the country with several A handy rule of thumb is to bustling. It’s the other major lenges, most transit buses can flight schools training pilots and remember the road network is, for numerous helicopter companies transit hub in Langley, used by accommodate wheelchairs, and the most part, a north-south sys- offering repair, maintenance and commuters who want to avoid there is also the HandyDART service, which provides a door-to- the growing congestion of the tem, which means street numbers instruction on the grounds.
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Drew Harkness with Mopsy, one of more than 110 adoptable dogs and cats that LAPS found a home for last Christmas. Meanwhile, Babs and Tinkerbell (top right), six- to eight-month-old raccoons, will be released from Critter Care Wildlife Society when spring begins. These two orphans came best friends while in care at the South Langley Centre. And Tiny Kitten’s Grandpa Mason (below inset) was an aging and ailing feral cat that came into care and in his final years offered love to many other homeless cats and kittens, winning over the hearts of many Facebook followers online.
Langley loves its four-legged friends
OFF- LEASH OPTI ONS
Local animal lovers look after cats, dogs, and injured wildlife its South Langley facility. If a wild animal is found in distress, people are asked to contact Critter Care at 604-530-2064 or During the Christmas holidays find out more at www.crittercareof 2019, the Patti Dale Animal wildlife.com. Shelter was almost completely While Langley Animal Protecempty – something its staff and tion Society, CARES Cat Shelter, volunteers engineered as a Christand even Critter Care Wildlife mas miracle. Society are among well recogThe I’ll Be Home for Christmas nized and respected animal orgaCampaign, hosted by the Langley nizations doing great work in this Animal Protection Society, was a community, another non-profit wild success with almost every ansociety has helped put Langley on imal in the shelter finding a home the international animal lovers’ by Dec. 25. map. Of the 130 animals, there were Since its inception in 2013, Tiny In addition to LAPS (www.laps120 adoptions over the month Kittens has cared for and found bc.ca), which operates the Patti leading up to the holiday, plus homes for hundreds of cats and several more in the days immedi- Dale Animal Shelter at 26220 kittens – most with special needs. 56th Ave. in Aldergrove, there’s ately after Christmas. While that’s all great and necesalso CARES, which operates a LAPS executive director Jayne no-kill shelter for stray cats. sary work, it’s not all they do. Nelson came up with the idea, Tiny Kittens Rescue also offers and work was underway for sever- Volunteer driven, this group food and medical support to al months to prepare for the proj- can be reached at 604-532-5632, ect, said Drew Harkness, another via email at info@carescatshelter. hundreds of cats in colonies (in com, or online at: caresshelter. Abbotsford, Langley, and parts LAPS staffer. of Surrey) each year, they also Preparation meant making sure com. Langleyites are caring for more run a trap-neuter-release program that all new kittens and puppies than just cats and dogs, too. that helps about 400 local cats were spayed and neutered and Small Animal Rescue Society annually. have their shots. of BC is a rescuing and rehoming And Tiny Kittens’ online presA number of would-be adopters went through a pre-screening organization based in Aldergrove ence (on YouTube, Facebook, that cares for everything from and Instagram) has attracted a process so they could take home rabbits, guinea pigs, and rats to worldwide audience in the milas soon as the right new animal hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas, and lions. It enables Tiny Kittens to came available. hedgehogs. achieve its mantra: rescue locally, This local effort was just one And stepping out of the realm educate globally, said founder way Langley showed it is a comof domestic pets, there’s also Crit- Shelly Roche, a computer promunity that loves its animals – a reputation that has spread world- ter Care Wildlife Society helping grammer who’s merged her tech orphaned and injured wildlife in experience with her love of cats. wide. Matthew Claxton matthew.claxton@langleyadvancetimes.com
Langley hosts dozens of regional, community, and neighbourhood parks as well as endless miles of trails – many where dog owners are encouraged to walk with their canines on leash. But Langley also boasts a number of off-leash spaces, where your four-legged friends can run “wild and free,” frolicking without a leash. ■ ALDERGROVE REGIONAL PARK:
■ OLD YALE PARK:
Lefeuvre Road and 8th Avenue
22495 Old Yale Rd.
An updated large off-leash area, plus lengthy trails, and a separate fenced small dog area.
Offering an off-leash area and onleash outside trail around.
■ CAMPBELL VALLEY REGIONAL PARK:
206th Street and 44th Avenue
204th Street and 4th Avenue This massive park has two off-leash parks. The main area is a large, fully-fenced enclosure. The other is a large unfenced field open seasonally. ■ DERBY REACH REGIONAL PARK:
21757 Allard Cres. Offering various fenced and unfenced areas in this large picturesque park. The space hosts off- and on-leash space for dogs, including access to the river.
■ UPLANDS DOG PARK:
Running under the powerlines, this park features a large open, off-leash area with walking trails around the perimetre of the park, and a separate fenced small dog area. ■ WALNUT GROVE COMMUNITY PARK:
9506 213th St. (also referred to as Port Kells Substation off-leash park) Small fenced area ideal for medium and large off-leash dogs, plus leashed dogs can access nearby walking trails.
■ LINWOOD PARK:
■ YORKSON COMMUNITY PARK:
201A Street and Michaud Cres.
207A Street and 82nd Avenue
It offers a small fenced off-leash dog area adjacent to a community garden and playground.
An off-leash park with separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, alike.
Dog Walking Etiquette: In public places, please walk your dog on leash (unless in designated space), and clean up after your canine companion.
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A call to 9-1-1 in case of an emergency in Langley will get you connected with the police, fire department, or paramedics serving this community round the clock 365 days of the year.
Police and fire on call every day in Langley From small emergencies to major crimes and fires, RCMP, firefighters, and paramedics handle it all Matthew Claxton matthew.claxton@langleyadvancetimes.com
Langley is one of the fastest-growing communities in B.C., and it has one of the fastest-growing RCMP detachments in the country, too. In early 2020, Langley Township council was contemplating adding 10 new officers and more in the coming years. The Mounties have been patrolling Langley for more than half a century, and the community currently has one of the largest RCMP detachments in the country, serving both Langley City and Township with 196 officer positions here. Langley has its own traffic, youth, and serious crime units, but also participates in a number of integrated units, sending its officers to regional teams that serve much of the Lower Mainland – they include the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) and the Emergency Response Team (ERT). You might see officers out and about in their cruisers, but also on bicycles around urban areas and parks in the summer, and wearing their full red serge and stetsons at major public events – particularly Canada Day citizenship ceremonies. In September and October, Langley-area law enforcement officers will once again be involved in the Cops for Cancer Tour de Valley ride, fundraising money for childhood cancer treatment and research. The
ride stops at multiple Langley schools, especially those with a student who has survived childhood cancer. The main RCMP detachment in Langley is in Murrayville, at 22180 48A Ave., but there are also four community police offices: in Aldergrove at 26970 Fraser Hwy.; Walnut Grove at 8850 Walnut Grove Dr.; Willowbrook at 20338 65th Ave.; and Langley City at 20408 Douglas Cres. Meanwhile, Langley’s fire protection is split between City and Township. The City, compact and urban, has a single centrally located hall, while the spreadout Township has seven – due to a quirk of history, they’re numbered two through eight. Firehall One was in what is now Langley City, but was established decades before the City and Township split into two separate municipalities. In the Township, firehalls can be found in Fort Langley, Aldergrove, Willoughby, Brookswood, the Otter neighbourhood, and in Walnut Grove, with the primary hall in Murrayville. Both City and Township fire departments host fire prevention events and open houses at various times in the year. As well, members take part in various community events. For instance, City firefighters give kids a chance to use a fire hose at the annual Community Day in Langley City in June. Fire safety is a major concern for the local departments. Both have programs to reach out into the community, offering tips, reminding people to install and regularly check their smoke alarm batteries, and offering kids courses on kitchen safety. Langley is also served by a team of paramedics who work for the provincial EHS out of a station house in Murrayville.
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Arts & culture ranges from concerts to plays Fort Langley Jazz and Arts Festival, Gone Country, Summerset, and theatre some of highlights
to the stage by local actors, direcing performances by classical musicians. tors, and even writers. Summerset Music Festival Visual artists can check out Both out and indoor concerts kicked off its first year in Fort Langley Arts Council – a comsound like a good time? How Langley on the lawn of the namunity arts organization based about arts and jazz music festitional historic site, covering coun- out of Aldergrove – that supports vals? Theatre productions? Riblocal artists and with programtry, rock, and classic tunes on Fests? three separate nights of music. ming, gallery space, and more. Langley has a thriving and Heavy hitters like April Wine, A series of West Fine Art Show evolving arts culture, particularly Kim Mitchell, The Trews, Rival events each year feature works through many local arts organizaSons, The Washboard Union, from some of the province’s best tions that host shows, events, and and Paul Brandt performed for painters and drawers for show programs throughout the year. thousands – organizers have cho- and sale. The events also raise Whether people are looking to sen Aug. 28 to 30 of 2020 to hold funds for a number of different fill an entire weekend or enterthe second-annual concert – with charitable causes. tain the family for an evening, Other highlights throughout the new line-up to be announced Langley has something for all the year include a Canada Day soon. schedules. celebration at the Fort Langley Bez Arts Hub offers improv One of the newest ventures is comedy and frequent concerts in National Historic Site, Langley the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts City’s Arts Alive!, Aldergrove a small setting, special features Festival, which launched in 2018, Fair Days (complete with a show like SongStage with Ivan Bouand runs for a third time this July ’n’ shine), dreau – a show24 to 26. Langley case of music As the name explains, the fesGood Times offered through tival is a showcase of jazz music Cruise-In the Nashville that sprawls across the Fort Lang(which is “in the round” ley National Historic Site, the North Amerstyle. Fort Langley Community Hall, Live-theatre ica’s largest and in the Chief Sepass Theatre. fans or aspircharity car Organizers Karen Zukas and show), Ribing actors can Langley Advance Times files her husband, Dave Quinn, excheck out local Reg Parks/Special to Langley Advance Times Fest Langley, The Fort Langley Cranberry Festival is one of the more established events held in plained the idea for the festival acting clubs Theatre in the Country’s presentation of and the Fort the historic village, but several other festivals have been added in recent years. sparked over a glass of wine. such as Theatre Murder on the Nile. Langley “It was so well-loved, and Dave in the Country, Cranberry But the arts and culture comlaunched monthly jazz concerts thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great to which offers a Festival. around town called “Jazz in the munity in Langley is much broad- buffet-style dinner and a show, bring a jazz fest to the commuThere’s many more shows, Fort.” And their newest endeaver than just this one festival. nity, because there seems to be or Bard in the Valley – a group events, and programming than For instance, Langley Commu- that performs Shakespeare plays what’s on this list. an interest in jazz music’,” Zukas our, Jazz in the Vine, pairs live music with vino at Campbell Val- nity Music School is another pop- outdoors. explained. Watch for more arts and culture ley wineries. ular arts venue for both students The idea didn’t just stop Langley Players Club offers happenings in upcoming editions For more information, people and spectators alike. It features there either. With a determinadramas and comedies at an intiof the Langley Advance Times or can visit www.fortlangleyjazzfest. alumni concert series’, student tion to turn Fort Langley into mate theatre space in the Brook- watch online at: langleyadvancecom. shows, and special events boast“Jazz Town,” Zukas and Quinn swood neighbourhood – brought times.com. Ryan Uytdewilligen ryan.uytdewilligen@langleyadvancetimes.com
Libraries meant to be ‘Langley’s living room’ Local libraries about more than just books Ryan Uytdewilligen ryan.uytdewilligen@langleyadvancetimes.com
The purpose and functions of libraries have changed a little since Langley opened its first library in 1932; so much so, a person from that year would likely not recognize where they were if they entered one of the City and Township’s seven libraries today. To keep up with the ever-changing technology, the libraries now offer much more than just book rentals. Telescopes, robots, ukuleles, e-books, audio books, DVDs, and more are all available for free rental with the scan of a library card. The library branches in Langley are all run under
the Fraser Valley Regional Library umbrella, which has seen exponential growth in services, programs, books, and equipment offered through the years. In a world that’s ever-evolving with technology such as smartphones, tablets, and digital stories, one may wonder how a place full of hard copy books keeps up. But, according to City of Langley Library manager Kimberley Constable, libraries are just as popular as ever. “We’re always adding new and exciting things,” Constable said. “We think of [the library] as a foundation of democracy and a place where everyone is welcome and everyone can access information, ideas, but also these types of technologies.”
Technology at the library is referred to as “The Playground,” which came to fruition in 2017 and some of the in-library programs include green screens, coding robots, and virtual reality. Constable said a new addition to the in-library activities is a robot called the Ozobot – a pocket-sized coding robot that can be programmed by drawing coloured lines on paper. Ozobots are designed for kids in Grade 4 to 6, but are accessible to everyone. Newcomers to Canada can also make use of library services, according to Constable. The library offers a world language collection, and English language learning material in a
variety of formats. “We really encourage people to start here because the things they have access to with a free library card is incredible,” she added. The library is also home to a number of clubs that meet to do things such as knit, play Scrabble, colour, play crib, learn tech, discuss books, write, and more. The library offers programs for all ages, including a weekly Babytime that helps babies develop speech and language skills while facilitating social activity for babies and caregivers. All local libraries also offer Wifi and public internet stations. Whether visitors want to learn how to code, play a ukulele, or escape reality with a book, the library offers something for everyone, Constable ensured. Langley Advance Times files “It’s meant to be the com- Langley’s multiple libraries offer so much more than just books. munity’s living room,” she You can rent everything from DVDS and CDs, to telescopes, ukulesaid. les, and – yes – robots.
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Kwantlen, Katzie part of Langley’s fabric Indigenous communities are part of the business and cultural life of the community
by bringing her two tasty children or she will eat Kw’at’el’s whole family. Along the way, Kw’at’el meets Langley sits on unceded First Raven, two young bears, and a Nations territory for the Kwansasquatch who help find lessons tlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, and of greed, respect, understanding, Matsqui, and includes reserve lands of both the Kwantlen and and forgiveness. Written and directed by DanKatzie First Nations. It’s also home to on- and off-re- durand, the production was a serve members of both of those two-year process that stemmed latter nations, and they are a sig- from a desire to share and unnificant part in the community’s derstand the culture of their cultural, political, and commer- Kwantlen neighbours, explained co-director Sue Boucher. cial life. As the Kwantlen have grown as In early 2020, that led to a new production called Th’owxiya: The a community along with LangHungry Feast Dish, performed at ley, they have expanded their ecothe Langley Fine Arts School by nomic activities significantly. Seyem is the Kwantlen First senior drama students. Nation’s business organization, Kwantlen First Nation writand in recent years it has become er and artist Joseph A. Dandurand’s created the production. involved in a variety of businesses off-reserve – around the LangSet in the Kwantlen First Naley area – including operating tion village of Squa’lets, Danthe lelem arts and cultural cafe durand introduces storytellers who spin a tale about Th’owxiya at Bedford Landing, and the Sxand a powerful feast dish, which wimele Boutique and Gifts at the holds many beautiful foods from Fort Langley National Historic Site. around the world. Then there’s a security guard A young mouse, Kw’at’el, decompany, a graphic design firm, cides to steal from Th’owxiya’s a construction company, and a feast dish, which in turn brings traffic management firm, janitoupon her wrath. Kw’at’el must pay for his theft rial services, and even the band’s Matthew Claxton matthew.claxton@langleyadvancetimes.com
common at public gatherings and political events. At the same time, members of both First Nations have become frequent guests at public functions. Kwantlen artists have created murals and sculptures around the community. And, education in Langley schools now includes visits from Indigenous elders, artists, and educators. Some issues persist, including the fact that Kwantlen and Katzie reserve lands are on the Fraser River shore and are extremely prone to flooding when the water level peaks on the Fraser in the late spring. In 2018, thousands of sandbags were laid around homes on the Katzie First Nation reserve as waters rose. Local high school Parks Canada/Special to Langley Advance Times students were brought in by bus Kwantlen First Nation toured with a performance called, Th’owxiya: The Hungry to augment the efforts of comFeast Dish, which was presented at Fort Langley National Historic Site. munity members and their families and friends to protect houses. own film office to handle shoots Confederation. There are currently about 200 Disease, residential schools, by movie production companies. on-reserve First Nations people Seyem also owns a commercial and the loss of land – including site in Langley City that houses a reserve land that was later expro- living in Langley, but many more live off reserve within the Towncar dealership. priated by the government – hit ship and City – including both The growth in both economic the Kwantlen and Katzie hard. and population terms during the It has only been in the last few those whose ancestors are from the region, and those who have last few decades has come after years that acknowledgments of moved here from other parts of years of difficulties going back the Kwantlen and Katzie’s traCanada. into the era of colonization and ditional territory have become
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This building, constructed in the early 1900s, was once home to the B.C. Telephone Co. Ltd., and today is retrofitted as a telephone museum and community archive open to the public for viewing.
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Alder Grove Heritage Black Press Media
A glimpse into the past Multiple museums shine light on Langley history
can be reached by phone at 604-857-0555 or online at telephonemuseum.ca.
Sarah Grochowski Black Press Media
The museum is one of several local places offering full-contact encounters with history, including the Fort Langley National Historic Site, BC Farm Museum, Langley Centennial Museum, and the CN train station – all in Fort Langley – as well as the Canadian Museum of Flight. • Since 1996, the flight museum has been offering visitors an opportunity to get a close and sometimes hands-on look at Canadian aviation history, with exhibits ranging from small float planes, a Handley Page Hampden bomber, and a CF-104 Starfighter jet. The museum is located at hangar #3, 5333 216th St. and can be reached by phone at 604-532-0035 or online at www. canadianflight.org. • BC Farm Museum, with the province’s largest collection of pioneer and agricultural artifacts, is open throughout spring and summer at 9151 King St. It can be reached at 604-888-2273 or online at bcfa.com. • You don’t have to be a railway fan to appreciate the heritage CN Rail Station, situated along the tracks near Glover Road and Mavis Avenue in the village. Operated by the Langley Heritage Society, the former passenger station – built in 1915 – is one of the few remaining stations like it in Western Canada, and the only surviving station from this era in the region. People can contact the train station by calling 604-888-1759 or by going online to: langleyheritage.ca/cn-station. • Fort Langley National Historic Site is a re-creation of the original Hudson Bay Co. fort from the days of the fur trade, featuring everything from a blacksmith demonstration to restored old log cabins and tents offering a chance to camp out, old-style. Info online or at 604-513-4777. • And last, but not least, is the Langley Centennial Museum. Its historical displays reflect First Nations history with woodcarvings, tools, stone sculptures, and basketry. As well, learn how first settlers experienced life in Fort Langley. The museum is located at 9135 King St. Information can be found online at museum.tol.ca/museum/Portal/default.aspx.
There’s a building that’s able to transport you back into the days when calls had to be patched through manually by telephone operators – the Aldergrove Telephone Museum. Its wooden floors, that creak when stepped on, tell of a time in the early 1900s when women were employed by the BC Telephone Company under that same roof. The museum is a place close to the heart of Alder Grove Heritage Society’s president Tami Quiring, who currently operates the museum and its community archives – with the help of several volunteers. That’s because she works to preserve local history in the very rooms her great grandmother, Julia Swanson, inputted telephone calls in 1913 – after her family moved from England. “I never got to meet her,” said the great granddaughter, explaining Swanson had passed away before she was born. Swanson’s portrait now rests on a feature wall of Aldergrove’s “Hello Girls,” which tells of six other agents who worked in the BC Telephone Company building in the early 1900s. Founded in 1989, the Alder Grove Heritage Society has been the steward for the F. J. Hart building on 32nd Avenue since 1993. For nearly two decades, the museum has offered visitors an opportunity to get an up-close look at the history of Canadian communications, as well as local history with exhibits covering topics of agriculture, infrastructure, and the town’s founding families. And it’s all accessible by donation. One of its exhibits showcases a BC Tel workers strike in 1969, where union employees walked off the job for six weeks in protest of their wages. The museum’s telephone collection is extensive, and features telephones throughout the years, as well as other telephone-related paraphernalia and a manual telephone switchboard – complete with interior lights and castors. The museum, located at 3190 271st St.,
Other places to check out
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Never too old for some fun Langley senior activities range from group games to social get-togethers
Ryan Uytdewilligen ryan.uytdewilligen@langleyadvancetimes.com
Inside every senior is a child looking to play and have some fun – or so says many popular quotes on getting older. Making up well over a quarter of the population, senior citizens in Langley are still certainly looking to have a good time. Dozens of organizations are making sure people are staying social and getting access to health care, educational programming, and even games. On weekday mornings, there is a variety of vehicles pulling into the parking lot of the 56th Avenue facility operated by the Langley Senior Resources Society, everything from vans with wheelchair lifts to small cars driven by family members delivering people for a day of activity and social interaction. The age of the clients of the society’s adult daycare program range from 41 to 100, said program director Kelly Brown – most of them referred through the Fraser Health Authority. “Most of the people who come here can’t be left alone,” Brown said. They have programs ranging
from fitness training to arts and craft, to music, and special features like a hydraulic assist bath that allows people with disabilities to have a soak. In one spacious room there are comfy chairs for people to sit and visit together, which is where Doug Alexander, a retired United Church minister, was explaining the appeal of the facility. “You’re not at home alone,” he said. Diana Gunther, who has MS and requires a wheelchair, likes the social aspect of the program and is a fan of the tub. “It’s an absolutely wonderful service,” Gunther said. “It’s a thrill to have a bath.” For Norris Humphries, who was recovering from a stroke that left him unable to walk for a period of time, the appeal is the “camaraderie – the people.” Of course, more sensational aspects have been introduced to the resource society; the bugs are being worked out of virtual reality headsets for seniors to wear and explore unimaginable worlds. Brown said they are currently experimenting with virtual reality to help people with dementia. “I’m working on head sets right now for our dementia clients,
day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Note that the front desk is closed Saturdays. Plus, there’s specific seniors oriented activities at Timms Community Centre in Langley City. The City offers everything from poker lessons to pickleball games and get-fit classes. Phone 604514-2940 to learn more details. Brookswood Seniors Centre, at 19899 36th Ave., also offers a wide range of activities, including low-intensity Zumba fitness, line dancing, dog training, and various group games including pool and cribbage. Organizers can be reached at 604-530-4232, or visit online at www.brookswood.ca. Langley Advance Times files And in Murrayville, the W.C. Senior’s gather weekly at Langley City library to play a game or two of Scrabble. Blair Recreation Centre boasts a recently renovated pool, complete but haven’t really launched it yet The Langley Senior Resource with a hot tub to soak in, pool, as we are having a bit of trouble Society (LSRS), a non-profit so- fitness room, and scheduled acwith our network,” Brown exciety that operates an adult day tivities. plained. “I believe this will benefit program, has its main seniors cen- There’s also a group lobbying dementia clients to calm them in tre located at 20605 51B Ave. for senior concerns. a relaxing atmosphere.” It offers a wide range of services The Langley Seniors CommuFor more information about the and programs for people 50 or nity Action Table is made up of adult day program, people can older, including painting classes, community members, service call 778-328-2303. various music programs, a book organizations, and agencies in That is just one of many seclub, fitness courses, movies, and Langley. niors-oriented programs available more. This group can be reached via LSRS is open Monday to Friin Langley. email at: llyscat@gmail.com.
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The Langley Hospice Society is a community-based, non-profit organization, whose mission is to provide compassionate support to help people live with dignity and hope, while coping with grief and the end of life. Since 1983, Langley Hospice Society has been providing quality palliative and bereavement care and support for our growing community, and with diverse but limited funding sources, we fundraise annually to be able to continue to offer this type of quality programming and to ensure these offerings remain free of charge for those who need them.
SOME OF OUR PROGRAMS INCLUDE: individual and group grief support programs for children, teens, adults and families; education; advocacy; volunteer training, opportunities and support; a resource library; a walking group for bereaved adults; traumatic loss support group; child loss support groups; coffee groups; day camps for grieving children and teens.
Langley Hospice Society Supportive Program Centre:
20660—48th Avenue, Langley, BC V3A 3L6 P: 604.530.1115 | E: info@langleyhospice.com
Annually, more than 5,000 individuals access palliative & grief support programs & services, training & information, free of charge through our Supportive Program Centre.
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#130 7888 200 Street, Langley, BC Tel: (604) 882-3151 Fax: (604) 882-3154 Email: rich.coleman.mla@leg.bc.ca
G24 Wednesday, March 25, 2020
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Langley Advance Times files
Langley is home to some exceptional athletes, including the Langley Rams football team (above), the Vancouver Giants (left middle), and the TWU Spartans track team. But likewise, with some high quality sports amenities available in Langley, this community also attracts some of the country’s and world’s best to compete here – including equine riders (top left) returning to Thunderbird Show Park in 2020.
Global athletes converge on Langley Langley is set to host the country’s best in track and show jumping this year, among other sports events Since 1965, this non-profit organization has offered children and adults a chance to take part From barrel racing horses to in several multi-disciplinary riddriving co-karts, from hockey ing events and shows. to football, from swimming to For young racers of another lacrosse, gymnastics and BMX discipline, there is the Langley biking, Langley has almost Quarter Midget Association, every kind of sport there is. which has been active in AlderWestern Hockey League’s grove for close to 40 years. Vancouver Giants franchise has It’s 1/20 mile track features called the Langley Event Centre racing just for kids aged four (LEC) home since they moved and a half to 16 years old. from Vancouver in 2016, signing When it comes to local sports, a 10-year deal with the LEC. Trinity Western University is a G-men, as they’re sometimes perennial powerhouse, taking called, have been consistent top honours in track and field, contenders, finishing high in the hockey, volleyball, and basketstandings. ball. In making the move to LangThen, there’s the Langley ley, the Giants displaced the Olympians Swim Club, which junior A Langley Rivermen, of has nurtured the career of outthe B.C. Hockey League. standing swimmers, as well as A strong team in their league, providing a fun way to learn for the Rivermen moved to the young beginners. George Preston Recreation CenThere’s also Langley Gymnastre. tics and Flip City, which have Next to George Preston, the done the same for their sport now 42-year-old Langley BMX – hosting high-profile competitrack brings in top competitors tions that draw top talent from from Canada and the U.S. all over. Operated by a 300-person In baseball, the Langley Blaze force of volunteers, the track can be seen dominating visitors is rated one of the 10 best in to their playing field at McLeod North America, and the only Athletic Park, which is also Canadian track to make the list. home to the Langley Rams footAlso next to the rec centre in ball team. Brookswood is the Langley RidLast year, the Canadian Junior ers Society arena. Football league Rams racked Dan Ferguson dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
community, according to a study by Canadian Sports Tourism Alliance on the impact of the BC Basketball Provincial Championship held in March of 2018 – when the Township hosted 152 teams at the LEC. Langley welcomed more than 2,600 out-of-town visitors, who stayed an average of 3.5 days in the Township, and most (82 per cent) said they were likely to come back. While here, those visitors spent $1.9 million. About $750,000 of that money went to local wages, and 17 Langley jobs were supported directly by the event. The lone event created about $3 million in economic activity in B.C. in total, and a $1.5 million boost to B.C.’s GDP, the study found. Langley truly is developing a reputation around the globe as a sports mecca, and that’s showing no sign of slowing up. For instance, the 2020 New Langley Advance Times files Holland Canadian Junior CurlAction unfolded at the Tsumura Invitation high school basketball championships ing Championships were held in at Langley Events Centre earlier this year. Brookswood this past February. The community is also set to up lopsided wins in the six-team tionally-ranked dragon boat host the 2021 and 2022 Canateams. B.C. Football Conference, en dian National Track and Field A little further east, at Thunroute to the Canadian Junior derbird Show Park, world-class Championships, and on the Football League finals and the show jumping competition bring equestrian front, the Longines Canadian Bowl. FEI Jumping Nations Cup of the best of the best to Langley In Fort Langley, Bedford Canada comes back to tbird at Channel is home base for many each year. the end of May. All this benefits the whole top rowers, including interna-
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Tourism your guide to learning the Langleys Organizations point visitors and residents alike to great food, “We send that out to hotels or anybody who has asked to subscribe to it,” she said. The Langleys are large and di“It lists what you can see and verse; filled with a great number do in that period of time.” of things to see, do, eat, listen to, Kristina Gervais, manager of and share with others. operations for Discover Langley It can be hard to know where to City, notes that while there aren’t begin when checking out a new as many attractions per se in community. Langley City, the organization Even when the community isn’t specializes in putting together quite so new – it’s information for special outings often a challenge such as girls’ days out, rainy day to get a handle on fun, or date nights. events, restaurants “We put those on and other activities of the website,” she interest. explained. “We Two local tourism orgacall those seasonal nizations are here to help inspirations.” with that. Turn to both Tourism Langley sites for the event serves the Township calendars that list of Langley, while everything from Discover Langoutdoor festivals ley City covers to Langley Rivthe action in ermen hockey Langley City. games; Canada Both have interactive, informa- Day events to evening concerts. tive websites that list upcoming “We also have itineraries and events. blog posts,” said Kredba. “If Erinn Kredba, executive direcsomeone is interested in musetor for Tourism Langley notes ums or attractions, they would that along with the website, the go to that section.” organization also puts out a Plus the Township’s organizaweekly bulletin outlining what’s tion can provide general regional happening. maps and activity-specific maps, Ronda Payne Special to Langley Advance Times
such as the one for the Langley Circle Farms Tour. These are available on the website, too. As is the ability to look up entertainment and outing options by neighbourhood – complete with restaurants and shopping. When it comes to things to see and do, Gervais loves it when long-term Langley City residents share activities, shops and restaurants with new residents. “Our residents are our biggest ambassadors because they encourage new people to move into the community as well as new
culture, and fun happening in town businesses,” she said. The City’s attractions guide lists things to see and do in the area, such a self-guided mural walks. “It’s super fun and you can download copies of that from the website,” she notes. “All of our guides are available on our website and… we keep the list up to date.” For those who want to look at these guides on paper, Discover Langley City keeps a supply of hard copies at City hall, as well as hotels and other handy locations. This includes the restaurant guide called “Hungry,” which features downtown and City-based eateries. “Food is a real driver of visitors,” said Gervais. “People like to experience new food expe-
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riences.” When it comes to things to do and attractions, the Golf Den just came to the City recently with its combination of gaming, virtual golf, and tasty tacos. Maker Cube is a new hobby spot where people can rent space to do woodworking, pottery, or take classes. “I think this is really unique,” she said of Maker Cube. “I think there’s maybe one other in the Vancouver area.” For the speed demons, there are indoor go-karts that get up to 75 km an hour. Active movers will like Penzer Action Park with its parkour park, BMX track, concrete scooter and skateboard track, and multi-sports court. And, for the more musically-inclined, Rose Gellert Concert Hall hosts a number of world-class musicians, not to mention there’s the Downtown Langley Business Association’s summer concert series events that run from June to August. There’s more than enough to do in Langley. Simply check out the tourism organizations for great suggestions on the next great local adventure.
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Jessie Simpson/Special to Black Press Media
Parkour can patrons bounce and leap around obstacles (left) at the relatively new Penzer Action Park in Langley, while some seek indoor options, like shooting hoops or walking at the Timms Community Centre. Meanwhile others revel in a leisurely stroll through the trails in Campbell Valley Regional Park (below).
Where to work out or go for a dip
Langley is home to a number of swimming pools, gyms, playgrounds, trails, and waterways to keep fit Among the others, a few of the most popular on the list include the Fort-to-Fort Trail, Nicomekl flood plains, and endless trails in Whether someone seeks some Campbell Valley Regional Park. relaxation on land or under And on the subject of walking, water, the search for recreational how about the indoor walking opportunities in Langley will track at Timms Community Cenuncover a wide range of pleasant tre for those rainy days? places for active fun. Located in the heart of Langley Ranging from a sedate walk City, this three-year-old facility around the Brydon Lagoon – also offers a well equipped weight home to many species of birds room and other fitness facilities and one of several popular walkincluding a gymnasium, games ing trails, – to splashing down a room, and cycling centre. waterslide or leaping around a Then, just two blocks away parkour obstacle course, when it from Timms lies Douglas Park, comes to recreation in Langley, which recently installed pull-up there are many places to see and bars and a pair of parallel bars as things to do. part of an outdoor fitness track. One of the newest is AlderAnd, for a more intense workgrove’s outdoor swimming pool out in the City, there’s always and community centre. Penzer Park, which offers visitors The Aldergrove Credit Union a chance to play on the biggest Community Centre at 27032 outdoor parkour facility in CanFraser Hwy. features a canoada. py-covered outdoor area with It doesn’t require elite abilities, a six-lane 25-metre competitive Special to Black Press Media offering three different levels of swimming pool that is open A night out with swimming, socializing, and a summer sunset were offered last summer for adults only at the ACUCC’s difficulty, and lots of padding to year-round, with a leisure pool, Otter Co-op Outdoor Experience. Organizers expect they’ll be hosting similar events at the Aldergrove pool in future. cushion falls. a circus-themed water play strucWilloughby Community Park, ture, a hot tub that fits up to 50 next to the Langley Events Cenof large coniferous trees, but only ier-to-use steps to enter the pool, block of Fraser Highway, serve people, and a picnic area. tre, offers mountain bikers their as an environmental education a climbing wall over the deep It also boasts an NHL-sized ice during the warmer months. own trail through the woods. The Walnut Grove Community end, an expanded family changfacility with the recently opened surface with 500 spectator seats, Elsewhere, curlers will find a Rotary Interpretive Centre, 15 ing room and a reconfigured and a heated ground floor view- Centre’s amenities include a fithome at the George Preston Reccommunity gardens, a demonparking lot. ing area, along with fitness facili- ness centre, gym, sauna, leisure reation Centre, home of both ice These are just a few of Langpool, 50 m swimming pool, and stration garden, and a relatively ties and a walking track. level walk trail that takes visitors hockey and skating rinks, as well ley’s pools, not to mention the Shortly after it opened, the cen- even a 300 ft water slide. The complex is located at 8889 Walwater parks scattered throughout past an Afghanistan war memo- as the Langley Curling Centre. tre won an award from the B.C. More information about City, the community. rial tribute to the 158 Canadian Economic Development Associ- nut Grove Dr. as well as a full list of TownSpeaking of water, Langley’s troops killed in Afghanistan. ation (BCEDA), recognizing the oldest indoor pool, the 1986-built Other local rec options And, of course, this is just one ship recreation possibilities beneficial impact it has had on Meanwhile, there are other less of many parks and pathways that can be found online at: https:// W.C. Blair Recreation Centre, the surrounding community. city.langley.bc.ca/index.php/ underwent a top- to-bottom over- wet options, including trails at the offer well-maintained walking Over at the Al Anderson Pool parks-recreation or www.tol.ca/ and hiking paths through the haul that added a shallow indoor Derek Doubleday Arboretum. in Langley City, swimmers can recreation-culture. This park, located in the 21200community. paddle under the sheltering shade play area for small children, easRyan Uytdewilligen ryan.uytdewilligen@langleyadvancetimes.com
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Big Sisters and Brothers mentoring local youth Helping hands are ready to support a range of individuals and needs
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It’s almost impossible to know what’s available in a new community. New residents are generally preoccupied with getting to know their neighbourhood, settling into new schools, and establishing new routines. But, sometimes there are special needs that can be met by organizations within Langley – and knowing that assistance is out there helps alleviate some stresses. Langley Community Services Society (LCSS), for instance, has tried to establish a comprehensive list of local support organizations on their site at lcss. ca/resources. One of the organizations in the LCSS’s services resource list is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley. This group has programs designed for youth facing social barriers and/or issues at school and challenges at home, said Mackenzie Gaytmenn, the Bigs’ communications and administrative assistant. “We have a variety of mentoring programs both one-to-one mentoring and group mentoring for children and youth in Langley,” she explained. In the one-to-one program, which the organization is best-known for, kids are enrolled as “littles” from ages seven to 14 (but once enrolled, they can be supported in the program until they reach 18). “Bigs” are always needed. These individuals are volunteer mentors who serve as a positive role model and can provide guidance, advice and fun. “Unfortunately that’s always what we need,” Gaytmenn said of needing big brothers and big sisters. “Finding all the volunteers to run our programs.” Wait list numbers typically exist for the littles. Currently they have 20 girls waiting for a big sister and 23 boys waiting for a big brother. “And that is just the big brother big sister program alone, and we are always in need of volunteers for our group mentoring programs as well,” she said. Those interested in be-
Langley Advance Times files
Big and little matches, like this one, are about sharing experiences of older people offering mentorship. But, it’s also about having some fun together. coming a mentor with the program can find out if they have what it takes by reviewing the information on the organization’s website at langley.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca. Click on “what we do” and “is mentoring for you” from the drop-down menu to get a feel for what mentoring with the organization is all about. For those with an interest in group mentoring programs, there are three different group programs and an in-school program as well. “We have a lot of partnerships with the schools in Langley,” she says. “We offer an in-school program. A lot of referrals come from … the school system.” The Go Girls program is designed for those in grades four to seven with a focus on healthy lifestyles, positive body-images, making good choices and overall self-esteem. The Game On program is the group mentoring program for boys of the same age range and also focuses on healthy lifestyle, good choices, making positive friendships, and beneficial life skills.
The Explorations program is made up of a range of options kids can choose from to ensure they are interested in the skills they will be learning. Exploration kids are also in grades four to seven and will enjoy learning a new hobby such as science, art, baking, drama or other activities and will participate in the group for two hours a week for eight weeks. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley also provides elementary school kids with a teen mentor they can talk to and interact with on school grounds through the in-school mentoring program. This is a lot of support for Langley’s youth and even those who aren’t ready to be a volunteer or mentor can help. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley is just one of many youth organizations available to help individuals in the community. There is a wide range of accessible individual help, as well as family support. Check out the resources list through LCSS to find the organizations to help you make living in Langley even better.
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Great outdoors a wonder to explore Langley is a rich community on many fronts, including its treasure trove of parks and trails
Joti Grewal joti.grewal@blackpress.ca
Langley parks and trails have much to offer; many rich in history but all exhibit beauty. The first European settlement to be established in British Columbia’s mainland coast was a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post, built at Derby Reach in 1827. Now, Derby Reach Regional Park is home to several trails, such as the Fort to Fort Trail. A 12-kilometre round trip that begins and ends at the Fort Langley National Historical Museum. Others, like the riverfront trails are for walking and cycling, expect for the Edge Trail, which is for pedestrians only. And the Houston Trail is shared by pedestrians and equestrians. Commonly many trail paths are shared, it’s important to remember proper trail etiquette: pedestrians yield to equestrians; cyclists yield to pedestrians and equestrians. To ensure these natural areas remain at their best, trail users are reminded to stay on designated trails, and respect wildlife and leave nature the way it was found. It is common courtesy on the trails to yield to uphill traffic when going downhill. Allow space for others to pass. Be considerate of other trail users. Speakers or loud music is not appropriate as many are outdoors to enjoy the tranquility of nature. It is important to obey all signs, look and listen, be aware of the surroundings, and prepare for changing weather conditions. In addition to Derbry Reach, Langley is also home to four other regional parks: Aldergrove, Brae Island, Campbell Valley and Glen Valley. Langley’s largest park, Campbell Valley Regional Park, is a sprawling expanse of field and forest nestled in southwestern Langley. Like several other parks in the community, it is owned and managed by Metro Vancouver – as part of a chain of regional parks. Its extensive network of horse trails, for instance, serves the equestrian community – many of whom call Langley home. It also has its own (decommissioned) race track, the former Langley Speedway. Most days, the asphalt oval is a quiet spot for picnics, but it has also been known to host car shows. At the opposite end of Langley, straddling the border with Abbotsford, is the Aldergrove
Regional Park. Another large park, it features winding trails, picnic areas, and views to the south of Mount Baker. For several years, it has hosted an annual cyclocross bike race. Both Langley Township and Langley City have their own networks of municipal parks and athletic facilities. The Township’s parks include major parks in every neighbourhood, ranging from sprawling collections of athletic fields to small “pocket parks” providing green space in suburban areas. Some of the Township’s notable and unique parks include: Bedford Landing, on the waterfront of Fort Langley; Dale Ball Passive Park, which hosts a sprawling disc golf course; and the Derek Doubleday Arboretum, which hosts memorials to soldiers who fell in the war in Afghanistan and the Korean War. Those parks are in addition to networks of trails that thread through several Langley neighbourhoods. Walnut Grove boasts a trail network that allows walkers to visit the deep cedar-forested ravines that run through the community, and the South Langley Regional Trail runs from Campbell Valley Regional Park all the way east to Aldergrove Regional Park, providing a link for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians. In Langley City, Douglas Park hosts many community events, often centred around its large bandshell.
Beyond Douglas Park, Sendall Gardens is a landscaped refuge in the southern part of the City, often used for wedding and graduation photos, and featuring a tropical greenhouse. At the other end of the scale is Penzer Action Park, which has a number of bike facilities, including a BMX park and a pump track, and the only parkour course in the Langleys.
Langley Advance Times files
Visitors to Campbell Valley Regional Park enjoyed some nice winter weather and a chance to watch the ducks and other bird and wildlife often spotted in the South Langley park. In fact, one of the popular pastimes enjoyed in many of Langley’s multiple parks – in addition to walking/hiking – is bird watching.
Where to go in Walnut Grove & Willougby:
While there are literally dozens of great trails to explore throughout Langley, this year the Langley Advance Times is spotlighting a few of the favourite walkways discovered in the newer neighbourhoods of Walnut Grove and Willoughby. • One of the larger trails in the Walnut Grove area can be accessed from both Walnut Grove Community Park (89th Avenue and Walnut Grove Drive) and 91A Avenue. The trail itself covers most of the park, and from there, it connects with almost all the other trails in the community. • An offshoot of the Walnut Grove Trail, the North West Langley Trail runs through Walnut Grove, connecting Dorothy Peacock Park to the Langley Lane Greenway. • The West Munday Creek Trail, located behind the Walnut Grove Trail, begins at West Langley Park (208th Street and 93rd Avenue) and leads south
through a conservation area to 85th Avenue. • For dog lovers, just south of 96th Avenue is the Langley Lane Greenway. Stretching between 208th and 216th Streets the trail features an off-leash dog park and connects to both the North West Langley Trail and the Derby Hills Trail. • As the Willloughby community continues to grow, so does the Willoughby Trail. Beginning on 208th Street, north of 80th Avenue, the trail loosely follows 208th Street south of 65th Avenue. Note that some parts are not yet connected. • Wrapping around Lynn Fripps Park (81A Avenue near 210th Street), the McLarty Trail heads south along 211A Street through the McLarty Greenway to Richard Bulpitt Elementary Park at 211th Street and 77A
Avenue. •Beginning at Willoughby Community Park (7782 200th St.), the Gordon Trail – one of the longer ones in Willoughby – diverts south along 202A Street to 64 Avenue. • Travelling along 72nd Avenue from 196th Street to 202A Street, the Garnett Trail and Garnett Greenway intersect with many other smaller Willoughby pathways, including: The Duffy Greenway, Routley Trail, Carvolth Trail, Jericho Ridge Greenway and Gordon Trail. Please note that NOT all the trails and paved paths available in Langley are included. For a complete list and detailed maps of trails and walking paths in Langley, visit tol.ca, metrovancouver.org, and city. langley.bc.ca.
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