Aldergrove

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History

Aldergrove is a part of the Township of Langley, which also includes the communities of Brookswood/Fernridge, Fort Langley, Murrayville, Walnut Grove, Willowbrook, and Willoughby. The Township occupies 316 square kilometres (122 square miles) and is home to approximately 100,000 residents.

British Columbia joined confederation on July 20, 1871, upon the promise of a railway link with the new Dominion of Canada. On April 26, 1873, the Municipality of Langley was incorporated, one of the first areas in British Columbia to do so, and James W. Mackie was elected its first warden.

The Township remained largely rural in nature as New Westminster, and later Vancouver, became the focus of urban settlement in the lower mainland. Langley's growth through the first half of the 20th Century was for the most part slow and steady. The construction of the Fraser Highway in the 1920's and the construction of the Patullo Bridge in 1937 increased the importance of Langley Prairie in the commercial life of the area. The Trans-Canada Highway was completed through Langley in 1964.

Rapid population growth experienced in the Greater Vancouver area in the late 1960's and early 1970's led to the establishment of the Agricultural Land Commission in 1972. Much of rural Langley was included in an Agricultural Land Reserve, ensuring that future growth would be directed to land of minimal agricultural significance. In 1979, the Langley Official Community Plan was adopted to guide development in the Township. Urban growth has been directed to areas such as Brookswood, Aldergrove, Willowbrook, Murrayville, and Walnut Grove, while major industrial and commercial developments have been designated in Northwest Langley, Willowbrook, Aldergrove and Gloucester Industrial Estates.

Location

Aldergrove is situated on a hill, with Langley in a valley to the west (about 35 feet above sea level), and Vancouver 59 kilometres (37 miles) to the east. The outlying rural area of Aldergrove extends 15 kilometres north to the Fraser River and 5 kilometres south to the United States (Washington) border. Aldergrove can be accessed via Trans-Canada Highway 1.

Places to See

• Langley Centennial Museum

The Langley Centennial Museum is owned and operated by the Township of Langley and is located in the historic Village of Fort Langley. As the name implies, the Museum was a provincial centennial project, although its collections and involvement with heritage dates back to the 1920s with the community organization, Native Sons. The Museum opened in 1958 and today, after more than 40 years of offering exhibits, programs and other heritage services, continues to grow and expand its role in the community of Langley.

• BC Farm Machinery and Agricultural Museum

The BC Farm Machinery and Agricultural Museum contains a vast collection of equipment from the nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries: carriages, buckboards, wagons, gas-powered choppers, tractors- they're all here! Look for the restored and workable 1890s sawmill, as well as the blacksmith shop and the beekeeping, dairy, and poultry exhibits. Located just a block away from the Centennial Museum.

• Greater Vancouver Zoo

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is dedicated to preserving and protecting endangered species, and creating an educational environment that inspires appreciation and concern about wildlife and wild places, while providing a pleasant recreational setting for visitors. The zoo is located in Aldergrove at 5048 - 264th Street, just 500 metres south of the Trans-Canada Highway.

• Sendall Gardens

The Sendall Gardens feature 3.67 acres of beautiful and unique plants, shrubs and trees. There are several varieties of wildfowl to observe, including geese, swans and ducks. This park is a popular location for wedding and family photos. The tropical greenhouse offers a wide variety of colourful exotic plants.

• Michaud House

This historic 1888 house is the current home of the Langley Arts Council.

Things to Do

• Balloon Tours

If you've never taken a ride in a hot air balloon, this is the place to do it. Temperate weather and spectacular views make Aldergrove a choice location for balloon tours.

• Farm Tours

In the fall large, hip-deep pools of crimson cranberries are one of the more unusual and beautiful sights in the area. Contact a local producer during harvest-time and arrange a tour that you will not forget soon.

• Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding! Known as the 'Horse Capital of BC', Langley has plenty of excellent paths for beginner and experienced riders alike.

• Biking / Skating

Paved shoulders on the Langley backroads around Aldergrove Lake Regional Park provide easy access for cycling and in-line skating. They are wide and smooth, with only a hint of traffic along most of the route. As you ride or skate along, you can relax and let your eyes drink in the views of the surrounding farm fields with Mount Baker towering over them. A network of easygoing mountain biking trails, about 12 kilometres in total length, lead through the wooded park. Mount Baker's snow cone towers above the valley and is best appreciated when seen from a viewpoint along the Rock N' Horse Trail.

Events

• Aldergrove Fair Days

The Aldergrove Festival Days Society and the Aldergrove Agricultural Society have teamed up to present Aldergrove Fair Days at the Kinsmen Community Centre in Aldergrove.

Included in the festivities are a parade in downtown Aldergrove and the Annual Agricultural Fair. There will be displays and exhibits, a midway and rides, a food court, a tractor pull, main street entertainment, a chilli cook off, a pet parade, a soapbox derby and a bike decorating contest.

• May Day Celebration

Langley's annual May Day Celebration is held in the historic village of Fort Langley. Activities include a main street parade, canoe races, maypole dancing, children's activities and concessions. A pancake breakfast begins at 9 am at the Fort Langley Lions' Hall located at the corner of Glover Rd. and 88 Ave. The parade starts at 11 am and there is a strawberry social at 12:30pm at the Fort Langley Community Hall. Stage entertainment can be found at the park bandstand and comedy improv takes place at Chief Sepass Theatre at 4pm.

• Kwantlen First Nations' Annual Pow Wow

An annual celebration of the First Nations culture, song, drums, dance, and art. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome!

Nearby Communities

Contact Information

Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce

#1, 5761 Glover Road
Langley, B.C. V3A 8M8

Telephone: 604-530-6656
Fax: 604-530-7066
E-Mail: chamber@langleychamber.com
Website: http://langleychamber.com/

Township of Langley
Municipal Hall

20338 - 65 Avenue
Langley, BC V2Y 3J1

Telephone: 604-534-3211
Fax: 604-533-6052
E-mail: info@tol.bc.ca
Website: http://www.tol.bc.ca/