langley Advance (news@langleyadvance.com)
Subject: letter to the editor

The Salmon River Enhancement Society would like to thank the Advance for its
excellent coverage of our recent ALR Forum. 

The Forum attendance of close to 100 indicates that people are concerned
about pressure on the ALR in Langley and in the rest of BC.  The many
applications for development in the Salmon River Watershed were enough to
prompt the Farmland Defence League of BC to partner with us for the Forum
and enough to bring Harold Steves out to speak.  Harold showed us that there
is no one more knowledgeable about ALR issues. 

The ALR issue is not just an issue for farmers.   Spot development in rural
areas costs us all.  The taxpayer ends up paying to deal with the servicing,
traffic and runoff issues that follow.  Preserving the ALR by establishing
firm urban containment boundaries protects not just farming but your tax
dollars. 

In addition, non-urban areas in the Township generally lack a long term
plan.  Rather than encourage one off proposals to develop land in the ALR
the Township should be actively involving the community in planning for
these areas.    

To see more on this issue including an action plan suggesting ways that you
can be involved consult WWW.salmonriver.org.   Letters to the ALC and TOL
really can make a difference.