Activists call for protection of wetlands in Langley Township
Posted June 7, 2023 11:04 pm.
A Vancouver developer is proposing 36 acres of land in Langley Township be industrialized, but residents say the potential cost for local wetlands and wildlife is too high.
West Creek Wetlands is home to salmon, beavers, deer, and more. On top of being home to all kinds of wildlife, a couple of local environmentalists tell CityNews the wetlands are “critically important to our ability to adapt and mitigate climate change.”
“They’re a great carbon sink, they also provide refuge to animals during times of wildfire,” said Cheryl Wiens.
“It goes beyond just observing the beauty – living here in Langley, the floods that we deal with and the droughts that we deal with, these wetlands are incredibly important for retaining water in regards to both of those,” said Laura Pandolfo.

A Vancouver developer is proposing the industrialization of 36 acres of land in Langley Township. (CityNews Image)
The proposal by Beedie Group calls on the Township of Langley to rezone the land from a golf course to industrial use and stormwater detention facilities, but residents say even making ponds deeper will cause damage to wildlife like the Coho salmon that spawn in the wetlands.
“In BC we rely so heavily on them, and we’re looking at their nursery where they grow up, and then we get surprised when their stocks go down – well you’re destroying where they grow up,” Pandolfo added.
CityNews reached out to Beedie Group for a comment, but they declined.
Meanwhile, the Township of Langley will gain $14 million in Community Amenity Contributions from Beedie if the proposal goes through.

A Vancouver developer is proposing the industrialization of 36 acres of land in Langley Township. (CityNews Image)
On June 12, there will be a public hearing about the proposal. Both activists say they will be going to voice their concerns and bring up other ideas for the property.
“Such as a passive park which would preserve the habitat for the animals and provide some green space for the people who work in Gloucester,” said Wiens.
“I’m hoping against hope that council dn our mayor listen to reason and see what matters here beyond money,” Pandolfo added.