ALDERGROVE STA AR Your Hometown Community Newspaper for over 55 Years
| Thursday, February 27, 2014
Locals Shine at Winter Games!
Check our website daily for updates, breaking news and more: www.aldergrovestar.com
Page 11: Kodiaks up 3-0 in playoffs series!
PAGE 15
Students Stage ‘Homemade’ Olympics
Grants needed to ‘refresh’ downtown Aldergrove, study says By DAN FERGUSON Aldergrove Star
HARRY HUNT PHOTO
Aldergrove Shortreed Elementary School saluted the 2014 Winter Olympics with special “homemade” style events such as luge, skeleton, hockey, curling and cross-country staged in the school on Thursday, Feb. 20.
56 Ave. bridge delayed again By DAN FERGUSON Aldergrove Star
Bad weather has forced a second postponement of the new 56 Avenue bridge over the Nicomekl River. An update posted on the Township of Langley website says the bridge, located between 211 Street and 213A Street, is now scheduled to open on Friday, March 7.
While the website doesn’t give a reason, poor weather conditions and heavy snowfall is believed to be the cause. The replacement of the aging bridge over the Nicomekl was originally scheduled to open by the end of January. Then, the opening was moved back to Feb. 24 because work fell behind schedule after metal thieves stole custom-made metal hangers from the construction site.
The hangers were needed to support gas, water and sewer lines running underneath the bridge, and it took about three weeks to make replacements. As well, the soil around the bridge turned out to be softer than tests first indicated. Traffic will continue to be detoured along the Langley Bypass, Fraser Highway and 216 Street.
SERVING YOUR GLASS NEEDS SINCE 1977 • FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED WE SPECIALIZE IN: • ICBC and Private Insurance Glass Claims • Stone Chip Repairs • Glass • Windshields Replaced or Repaired • Fireplace Glass & much more - SAME DAY SERVICE
ONE COMPLIMENTARY STONE CHIP REPAIR WITH EVERY WINDSHIELD!
If the Township of Langley wants to revitalize downtown Aldergrove, it should offer matching grants to encourage businesses to make improvements. That is the conclusion of an analysis conducted by two Trinity Western University School of Business students. A report to the Township’s Economic Development Advisory committee outlines the findings by students Shad Mayne and Brittany Feltan, who were assigned to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy for Aldergrove. The TWU students found that residents listed “graffiti, garbage and rundown storefronts” as a major concern. People living in Aldergrove would like a more “walkable” downtown with a greater variety and selection of retail service, while “maintaining and improving its small town rural flavor and celebrating its agricultural heritage,” the report states. Mayne and Feltan conclude tax breaks alone would not be enough to upgrade Aldergrove’s downtown area, which the report describes as “deficient in providing adequate retail options for its residents and visitors.” They recommend a 50-50 matching grant program funded by the Township to provide “much-needed money to small businesses with creative ideas on how to improve the downtown.” Applications would be processed on a first-come, first-served basis for a range of programs including awning and sign cleaning, exterior painting, graffiti removal and outdoor flowers, among other things. The report suggests street festivals, farmers’ markets, car shows and other “community building events” would provide an economic boost and give local retailers incentives to “refresh their storefronts and invest in [the] downtown.” As part of their research, Mayne and Feltan reviewed revitalization tax exemption programs in other communities including Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, Surrey, Langley City and St. Albert, Alberta. They also met with the Aldergrove Business Association. During discussion of the TWU students’ analysis at Monday’s Township council meeting councillor Bob Long, who operates a business in Aldergrove, asked about a Township plan for the area. He was told staff are working on a marketing strategy as part of a new Aldergrove community plan, which they hope to have completed by this summer.
NEW! WE IN S SHOWER D TALL OORS!
604.856.6550 • www.a1glass.ca Anthony Breuker
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM: 3060-275A Street, Aldergrove
We offer Courtesy Cars or Pick-up and Delivery.