Letter to the Editor – Re Interfor Site

The Salmon River Enhancement Society is concerned about the Starline Windows application for rezoning of the former Interfor site in Fort Langley. It is our understanding that this proposal includes filling in at least part of an eight-acre wetland on the western part of the site. This wetland connects with the Salmon River near its mouth and has been recognized in past inventories as being good habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife. It should be preserved with an appropriate buffer zone and protection from impact. The proposal also includes an industrial use for the shore of Bedford Channel. In addition, extensive coverage of the site over time with buildings and asphalt parking lots would cause problems with runoff during rains which may lead to more flooding of adjacent properties and leaching of organic and other wastes into the wetland and the Salmon and Fraser Rivers.

The industrial nature of the present proposal does not fit the present makeup of Fort Langley nor does it fit the direction that the Fort is likely to take in the future. A smaller, light industrial use for part of this large property might easily be included in a plan that complements the heritage and tourism values of Fort Langley. Such a plan might include a variety of other uses. This appeared to be the route that Interfor was taking prior to selling the site.

It is also important that we consider this proposal in light of the Trans Canada Trail which will pass through Fort Langley. This trail will likely be a major tourist and recreation attraction which could prove more popular than other well known but less accessible trails such as the West Coast Trail.

Langley has been planning a Fort to Fort Trail which would run from Fort Langley to the original Fort in Derby Reach Park. This trail could be an interesting and popular side excursion to the Trans Canada Trail and would provide Langley an opportunity to put its best face forward to the rest of Canada. The foreshore of the Interfor property is clearly the best route for the Fort to Fort Trail and the wetland and the terminal section of the Salmon River (both included in the Interfor property) could be used for nature walks which would complement the Fort to Fort Trail.

The proposed Starline development is a very poor fit for this vision of the future of Fort Langley. We hope that council will consider these factors and that a more suitable proposal will come forward for this important property.

Doug McFee

Director, Salmon River Enhancement Society February 24, 199