Dear Editor,
I am afraid some of the people of Fort Langley community are being misunderstood regarding the reasons given for wishing to keep Fort Langley as a “village” and not as a “high street” with 3 and 4 storey buildings.
Fort Langley is one of British Columbia’s most visited tourist destinations in a Province wherein tourism is the #1 economic contributor.
Tourists come to visit the “birthplace of B.C.” which boasts the 1858 working Fort with a bronze statue of our First Governor, James Douglas, they come to visit the unique Museums, the historic CN Station, the boutiques and restaurants and, of course, the great Fraser River with all the related activities.
A very special destination also is the Kwantlen First Nations beautiful Church of the Redeemer and the wonderful new Art Center.
All of these make Fort Langley a ‘sample’ of history; of the village which grew up around the Fort and the history of the First Nations in the area.
It was hoped that this would remain as a valuable educational and information sample for the great number of people now populating the area and/or those visiting from other places.
Large buildings may be seen anywhere but special, small, interesting villages are becoming extremely appealing for visitors and therefore for tourism and the economy.
Development is inevitable but the heritage values of the village should be stressed and adhered to.
I believe the community has worked tirelessly over the years and with all their contributions have proven that Fort Langley “matters” as the historic “Birthplace of B.C” and should be respected as such.
Bays Blackhall Langley
