About the Township of Langley
The Township of Langley is a spacious municipality that makes an excellent location for new and existing families to find their dream home.
In addition, the municipality has an abundance of parks, trails and historic sites for all to enjoy. According to the 2021 Census the population of the town is 132,603.
Furthermore, the town participates in a wine-making tradition and is home to Fort Langley which is considered to be the birthplace of British Columbia. This municipality is rich in history and is surrounded by suburban communities.
History of the city
The Township of Langley was incorporated in 1873 and is home to various First Nation Tribes such as the Katzie, Kwantlen and other tribes. The land was first discovered by Simon Fraser and by 1827 European fur traders began to settle and built trading posts along the Pacific Coast to compete with United States fur traders. This area is now known as Fort Langley and the birthplace of British Columbia.
By 1858 the area began to decline due to a gold rush in the interior of British Columbia and when the gold rush ended many residents decided to settle elsewhere. Afraid of an American invasion the British created British Columbia as a colony and appointed James Douglas as the first governor. Unfortunately, New Westminster was made capital instead of Langley.
Furthermore, the municipality is made up of 7 communities, Aldergrove, Brookswood-Fern Ridge, Fort Langley, Murrayville, Walnut Grove, Willoughby-Willowbrook and including rural areas allotted Agricultural Land Reserve.
Appeal
Young Graduate
Rent in the Township of Langley for a 1-bedroom unit starts at $1,274 and can go over $1,691 for a 3+ bedroom unit according to CMHC 2021. The average price for a home is $1,439,805 according to homeworthbc.ca. This town is a great option for a young graduate as it offers affordability and is quickly becoming a popular destination to invest in property.
In addition, there are plenty of activities for young graduates to participate in such as horseback riding, community recreational sports and outdoor activities.
Families
By the way the township is largely suburban and makes a great location for new and existing families to call home. Full of history, arts and wine, this municipality will keep you and your family planning the weekends in advance.
Furthermore, the town has many ice rinks and public swimming pools for parents to enlist their children in hockey and other water sports.
Top Places to See
Fort Langley
Fort Langley is known as the birthplace of British Columbia. Established as a trading post for the Hudson’s Bay Company, this community is now a small neighbourhood and has had many colonial buildings restored, some of the buildings date back to the early 20th century while others go as far back as the late 19th century.
In addition, the community offers a variety of art galleries, museums, shops, restaurants and trails. By the way, this small village has been featured in many TV shows and films due to its historic appearance.
Aldergrove
Aldergrove is a big community that is often referred to as a town. The community is located on the southeastern part of the Township of Langley. If you often go south of the border then you’ll be happy to know that this community is home to one of the five borders connecting Aldergrove to Lydnden, Washington.
Although a suburban community, the area is primarily agricultural.
Brookswood
Brookswood is a residential community located on the westside of the municipality. In addition, the community is home to the George Preston Recreational Centre that includes an area for hockey and a curling ice rink.
As well, in the late 1970’s the first BMX track in the municipality was built in the community of Brookswood and in 2001 a skatepark was built right next to the BMX track. Today, Brookswood is a hub for BMX riders and skateboarders.
Things to do in the Township of Langley + Local tips
Canadian Museum of Flight
The Canadian Museum of Flight was established in 1977 and is located at the Langley Regional Airport. Furthermore, the museum has over 25 civilian and military jets. The collection includes gliders, helicopters and piston driven engine aircrafts.
By the way, the museum takes pride in displaying before and after images of restoration work done to aircrafts and is always seeking assistance from those that have skills in welding, machining, signage and other talents related to aircraft mechanics.
Cascades Casino Langley
This casino is minutes away from the United States and offers 80,000 sq.ft. of gaming space that includes 28 table games and over 1,000 of the most popular slot machines. If you’re a pro or an amateur in poker the casino features a 6-table poker room with a connected bad beat jackpot and an assortment of poker tournaments. In addition to many amenities, the casino also hosts Bingo.
By the way, Cascades Casino is also linked to a gorgeous renovated 26,000 sq.ft. convention centre that makes the perfect location to host intimate events such as weddings and conventions.
Furthermore, the casino includes 3 dining options such as The Buffet, Glacier Bar and the Match Eatery and Public House. Quench your thirst or enjoy a few cold ones while you catch a sporting event with your friends, Cascades Casino offers it all.
Brookswood Park
Brookswood Park is a great location to take the family for a picnic. The park includes a spray park, washrooms, and a playground for the kids to enjoy. Best of all, the park is pet friendly, so your furry family members are welcome to “wag along”.
In addition, the park includes a passive area and is surrounded by trees and nature. If you’re a photographer and enjoy taking pictures of squirrels and trees this park is a great destination for such pictures.
SendallBotanical Gardens
Sendall Botanical Gardens is built on 3.67 acres of trees, flowers, shrubbery and boardwalks. The botanical gardens are home to birds, geese, swans and ducks. By the way, due the beauty of the park it has become a popular location to shoot wedding pictures and for social medial models/influencers to use the background as backdrops.
The park includes washrooms, benches, picnic tables. In addition, the park includes looped trails for joggers, cyclists and dog walkers. After a nice picnic with the family be sure to take a few pictures and enjoy a nice walk on the looped trails.
Fort Langley National Historic Site
Fort Langley National Historic Site is a great way to learn about the way of life in the rugged 1800’s. This historic site is considered to be the birthplace of British Columbia. Originally, established as a trading post for fur traders by the Hudson’s Bay Company this historic site is now a learning centre that features live demonstrations with costumed interpreters to help depict the challenges early settlers faced in their lives.
Education
The Township of Langley has 31 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, 11 secondary schools. All schools are accessible by transit via bus.
In addition, the town offers 2 post-secondary education options such as 1 campus of Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Trinity Western University.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langley Campus
This campus hosts the university’s music programs and includes performance areas and an auditorium. Furthermore, the campus is home to the School of Horticulture that includes a field lab, greenhouses and gardens. By the way, the campus also offers science programs such as chemistry, physics, biology, brewing and geology labs.
Trinity Western University
Trinity Western University is a private Christian liberal arts university. The university was first established as a junior college in 1962, and by 1972 the junior college changed its name to Trinity Western College due to its growth in enrollment and diverse options in programs. In 1986 the college became a university and a member of Universities Canada.
Furthermore, the university offers undergraduate courses and offers 45 academic majors and 56 minors, certificates and over 1,200 courses to pick. By the way, the university offers 7 faculties such as the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, School of the Arts, Media and Culture, School of Business, School of Human Kinetics, School of Education, School of Nursing.
The university has 2 other campuses such as the Laurentian Leadership Centre located in Ottawa, and the other located in Richmond, British Columbia.
Leisure and Hobbies
See Wild Exotic Animals
If you or your little ones have only seen exotic wild animals on BBC or other animal channels, then make your way to the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Located in Aldergrove, the zoo is home to over 600 animals and offers a variety of 135 species to see. The zoo is built on 120 acres. Get an in person look at a giraffe lion, grizzly bear and many other exotic animals. Make sure to bring plenty of water bottles and snacks and make a day out of your trip to the zoo. If walking is too much then you’re in luck, the zoo offers 2-seater pedal bicycle carts to help ease the walk.
Enjoy a Picnic at Brookswood Park
Brookswood Park is a great destination for a family picnic. The park includes a spray park for the children to enjoy so be sure to pack enough towels and a change of clothes. Best of all, the park is pet friendly as long as your furry family member is on a leash. After a nice picnic you can always enjoy a nice walk with the family.
Future of the area
In a recent discussion the council approved rezoning projects to a number of developments in the area of Willoughby.
In addition, the Township of Langley also approved 49 new developments, 16 are condos, 20 are townhouses and 13 are single family homes.
This proves the township is rapidly growing and will become more popular once the extension to expo line is built connecting the SkyTrain station from the city of Surrey to Langley City.
