The prospect of a new bank for Langley City residents had council members positively giddy on Sept. 11, as they gave the go-ahead for construction of a building at the Valley Centre Shopping Mall, where Save-On-Foods is located.
Langley City council voted unanimously to issue a development permit, clearing the way for a new branch of Scotiabank, to open at 20151 Fraser Hwy, likely within a year. Plans for the development include construction of a standalone, 4,000-square-foot building on the south side of the parking lot, adjacent to Fraser Highway. The shopping centre is owned by RMA Properties (Valley Centre Ltd).
The bank will not include a drive-through, but driving lanes in the mall parking lot will be reconfigured to smooth and slow the flow of traffic, and improve pedestrian safety, council was told.
Additionally, a raised median on Fraser Highway will limit traffic to right-turns only, whether entering or exiting the mall parking lot. Situated less than 150 metres from a bus stop which serves 11 different routes, the location is ideal, said council.
“This is a fantastic project. It’s about time we had another bank in the downtown core,” said Coun. Gayle Martin.
Coun. Nathan Pachal complimented architects, Urban Design Group, on an “outstanding design.”
“I’m thrilled to see another financial institution,” said Coun. Rudy Storteboom. “It’s a welcome addition to the community.”
Storteboom asked what the timeframe will be for the project’s completion. He was told that once a building permit has been issued, construction will take approximately six months. That will be followed by an estimated 60-day timeframe while Scotiabank outfits the structure prior to opening.
Scotiabank currently has a branch operating in Langley City, at 20555 56 Ave. It’s unclear whether the new branch will operate in conjunction with the existing City branch or replace it. City staff have had no discussion with Scotiabank about closing the other branch. The Times has sent an email to the bank’s offices in Toronto requesting clarification.
Over the past several years, the City of Langley has seen many of its bank and credit union branches close. Most have relocated to the Willowbrook/Willoughby area of Langley Township, making banking difficult for City seniors, in particular, and others who don’t have access to a vehicle.
brenda@langleytimes.com
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