Transportation and development issues continue to be top of mind for residents in Fort Langley, according to findings in the Fort Langley Community Association’s second annual survey.
The ‘Vision Fort Langley’ study was hand-delivered to 1,500 residents and businesses in June, and posted on their website. The results were summarized and analyzed by consultant Modus.
Of the 359 responses received, the number one concern was transportation, particularly parking. There were 135 written comments provided on this subject.
Forty-two people said that more parking is needed near the commercial core and the Fort Langley National Historic Site. These respondents also cited concerns with film crews taking up spots, visitors using residential spots, and parking enforcement being too sparse.
“This was the most brought up issue in the written submissions and clearly has people frustrated,” said FLCA director Solon Bucholtz, who presented the survey findings with George Otty to Township council on Feb. 5.
A further 40 people commented on the need for safer intersections for cars and pedestrians, and 16 people said traffic speed is an issue, especially along Glover Road and Billy Brown Road.
The survey also shows that 72 per cent of respondents (260 people) think the Township should require new developments in Fort Langley to provide the same number of parking spaces as developments in other parts of Langley. Currently, only half as many parking spaces are required.
When it comes to development, 31 people said new buildings need to maintain Fort Langley’s “unique heritage character” in their size, heights and facades. Another 20 comments were given on new developments and businesses being “too upscale” and catering more to visitors than local residents.
There were 21 comments about public spaces and community events, with six people asking for improved outdoor public spaces and green spaces with weather-proof seating; six people asking for upgrades to civic buildings; five people asking for more community events and festivals; and two people asking for better integration of arts and culture, and First Nation history and culture.
“The results of the survey with 359 respondents speak loud and clear to communicate the community’s needs, sentiment and focus moving forward as the great community that is Fort Langley,” Bucholtz told council.
“A vision for Fort Langley must be an inclusive vision. A vision is created and made up of all members of the community. Communities have the capability of providing something for everybody only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.”
Other survey findings include: 83 per cent of respondents walk or cycle to the commercial core at least once a week;78 per cent of respondents drive to the commercial core at least once a week;67 per cent of respondents go to restaurants, coffee shops or tea shops at least once a week;66 per cent of respondents go to other Fort Langley businesses at least once a week;62 per cent of respondents use Fort Langley’s walking trails at least once a week;40 per cent of respondents never use cycling routes;The Cranberry Festival, Remembrance Day services and farmers market are the most popular cultural activities;284 respondents would like to attend more music events and concerts;127 respondents would like to attend more First Nations events; and192 respondents would like to see more theatre productions.
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