Who would have thunk that a call for a few well-placed light bulbs in the main business district of Langley would have sparked a debate that would lead to splitting of Langley Prairie from the Township in the mid-1950s?
But, as the story goes, that was the final straw for residents and – in particular – businesses in the downtown area who pushed for the separation.
The downtown was growing rapidly into a major business hub for Langley, with the Interurban train stopping in the centre of town, the Trans-Canada passing right through where Fraser Highway is today, and people from all surrounding Langley neighbourhoods coming into the core for their goods and services, said Langley's former fire chief, retired columnist, author, and emcee Jim McGregor.
He shared his recollections Monday night during the Langley City's volunteer appreciation banquet at Cascades Casino – just a few days before the City's 70th official birthday.
"The challenge was that even though Langley Prairie only occupied two per cent of the land mass of Langley Township, the ratepayers – the residents and the merchants – were paying 20 per cent of the annual tax revenue to the Township. And they didn't feel they were getting enough back for that," McGregor shared with an audience of 170.
"They wanted more street lights. They wanted more sidewalks. They wanted more pavement, because they were getting busy. They were a busy, busy place," he said, regaling the room full of volunteers with some of the local history.
"People from these other [Township neighbourhoods] came into Langley Prairie when they needed a banker, when they needed a lawyer, when they needed a barber or a hairdresser, when they needed a dress shop, when they needed a men's shop or if they needed a big grocery store they came into town. If they needed appliances, TVs, they came into Langley Prairie to buy. When they needed feed, and grain, and seed and farm equipment, they came to Buckerfield's, which was in downtown Langley," said McGregor, who was born in Langley in March of 1949, six years before Langley City came to be.
He listed off cars, trucks, farm equipment, and liquor as other merchandise that drew people to Langley Prairie. As well, it became the place to socialize, whether that was a visit to the hotel and beer parlour, movie theatre, dining establishments, the bowling alley, or even the weekly animal auction.
"A lot was happening in Langley Prairie," recounted McGregor, but when the Township approved a budget in the early 1950s, and council of the day said there was no money for those street lights or infrastructure work in Langley Prairie, that was enough for area taxpayers.
A group soon formed to push for Langley Prairie to go out on its own, and on March 15, 1955, that became a reality thanks to approval from the provincial government.
"It became a completely separate entity from the Langley Township," McGregor said, noting how in the decades since Langley City has gone on to prosper and grow.
Today (March 15, 2025) marks Langley City’s 70th anniversary, and Mayor Nathan Pachal said "we’re excited to celebrate all year long!"
The City kicked off the festivities this week with McGregor's tribute during Monday's volunteer banquet, then with a cake-cutting at city hall on Wednesday, where council and City staff were joined by special guest Erik Vogel, grandson of Langley City’s first mayor in 1955, Hunter Vogel.
Erik had the honour of cutting the birthday cake, officially launching the anniversary celebrations.
From its humble beginnings as Innes Corners to Langley Prairie to the thriving, vibrant municipality it is today, Langley City has always been a place of connection, opportunity, and community spirit, said Pachal.
"What started as a trade and service hub along Old Yale Road has grown into an urban centre, all while maintaining the core values of community and heritage," according to the mayor.
“At a time when the world can feel divided, Langley City remains a place where collaboration, inclusivity, and connection are at the heart of everything we do," he added.
"This anniversary is about honouring our history, celebrating the strength of our community today, and looking ahead to the future we’ll continue to shape together. Since becoming a city in 1955, Langley City has continued to grow and evolve while staying true to its small-town values," he said.
"Looking ahead, we remain committed to fostering a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community – one where businesses thrive, residents have a voice in shaping its future, and we continue to care about the people who are here and those who will come, without losing sight of our roots. To mark this milestone, we’re celebrating Langley City’s 70th anniversary with contests, sharing stories from our history, and highlighting the anniversary at community events throughout the City."
