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Fill site denied NATASHA JONES Times Reporter
A string of residents told Township council on Monday night that they oppose a plan to haul out 25,000 cubic metres of peat from land at 26453 52 Ave., and replace it with 120,400 cubic metres of gravel and top soil. But the tipping point, and a huge boost for residents’ case against the application, came not from neighbours, but from Shane Dyson, who lives in the 27300 block of 43 Ave., about a mile away. Dyson told council that as a result of a soil deposit operation abutting his northern property line, and clear-cutting on a property three blocks away, his land is prone to flooding which has so severely compromised its usefulness that the B.C. Assessment Authority cut his assessment by twothirds. “I’m infuriated that we can talk about doubling trees at Target, but we don’t talk about clear-cutting,” Dyson told council during a public hearing into the soil deposit application. He warned council that problems from clear cutting and soil removal and deposits may not show up for years. When they do, “there will be no recourse.”
Tim FITZGERALD/Black Press
James Findler of Langley applies the finished horseshoe to a hoof as he prepares for the World Championship Blacksmiths’ Competition at the Calgary Stampede. See story, page 33.
continued, PAGE 5
Council backs off Glen Valley land sale Township bends to public pressure, but challenges those who protested deal to help raise $2 million shortfall NATASHA JONES Times Reporter
The controversial sale of 21 acres of Township-owned forest in Glen Valley has been scrapped. The Township had planned to use the proceeds to fund the purchase of the Aldergrove Elementary school site on which it proposed to build a community centre. At the start of Monday’s marathon regular evening meetings, Mayor Jack Froese said that after hearing from residents who opposed the sale to private interests, council decided to withdraw the sale. Froese assured that council “is making every effort to preserve the natural integrity” of the property, which is situated on 84 Avenue, between 252 and 254 Streets. In a closed meeting on Monday afternoon, council voted to withdraw three lots from
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minutes. the sale process, and assess them When Ferguson admonished for their historical designation, Bucholtz, Langley City resident environmental sensitivity, heritage Jacob de Raadt began to clap value, and overall park needs in loudly, which spurred others in the area. the gallery to follow suit. Eight parcels totaling 45.84 acres One councillor suggested that were originally listed for sale. The de Raadt be warned about his proceeds were intended to purbehaviour, or even barred from chase the Aldergrove Elementary council meetings. School site for the construction of Given the potential for further a new community centre, swimoutbursts, the Township asked for ming pool, and ice rink. Jack security, and brought in two uniWhen three Glen Valley residents Froese formed RCMP officers who stood addressed council on June 25, the by the main doors to the chamber meeting erupted when Councillor Steve Ferguson interrupted Stuart Bucholtz, on Monday night. “This community centre is a priority one of the most outspoken critics of the land sale. Ferguson demanded that Bucholtz project for the Township and the people of respect the five-minute limit imposed on Aldergrove,” said Froese, so other ways of funding the project must be found. speakers. He challenged Glen Valley residents to Bucholtz had spoken for just over six
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help with fundraising initiatives, and some residents, including Bucholtz, offered support for the idea. “By taking these lots off the market we will have a shortfall of two million-plus dollars . . . I appreciate the work that the organizers of this campaign went to and I now challenge them to channel that energy into a fundraising campaign to find the funds to help with the Aldergrove recreation centre, and allow Langley Township to retain these lands for future generations.” Froese said that the Township will continue with the sale of the other five lots totaling 25 acres, located near 84 Avenue and 260 Street. He revealed that the bids offered on those properties, which closed June 29, were too low. continued, PAGE 5
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