Editor: Re: “Are another million people really coming?” (The Times, May 15).
This is an extremely well-written and timely article. The anticipated growth of the Fraser Valley appears at best to be a crap shoot.
Government documents readily available online which reference the future of the valley are, for the most part, concerned with transportation, in particular the east to west corridor. There is scant attention to north-south roadways and uppermost, to people.
The forecast for transportation is founded on a plan hatched and implemented 15 years ago. This plan is woefully inadequate, as there is little or no inclusion of population.
In Aldergrove, there are two housing developments moving forward with an anticipated 200-plus units. Out here in the boonies that means 400 cars or trucks into the Fraser Highway corridor, with access to Highway 1 at 264 St.
The development was not considered in any traffic forecast of the past six years.
A recent trip to the Willoughby area of Langley revealed an explosive, continuing growth in housing units.
Debating the timeline for the addition million people expected for the valley is moot. Residential planning is the uppermost consideration.
Helter skelter developments with no pre-planned infrastructure should be the central focus of any city or township.
In my community, it appears a hunger for the tax base is the driver, with little or no consideration for the existing population and the newcomers’ anticipated needs to raise a family.
As stated, this is a well-written, thoughtful article. Keep it up.
Terry Brenan,
Aldergrove
