An old house that occupies one of the most strategic corners of Fort Langley is to be demolished.
As the property is located in the Fort Langley Heritage Conservation Area, the owner was required to secure a heritage alteration permit.
This permit was granted by Township council on Dec. 12.
For several years, the house and a smaller building at 9166 Glover Road have been poorly maintained, and although the house lies within the heritage conservation area it is not on the Township’s Heritage Inventory nor has it been considered for inclusion on it.
In the permit application, owner Statewood Properties said that without a demolition permit the property “will transition into a visual blight within the heart of Fort Langley’s commercial core.”
If the house, built in the 1940s, were to be kept, it would require significant repairs, including a new roof, electrical upgrades and extensive interior renovations.
This significant expense cannot be justified, given the amount of rent the property generates, the owner said.
Statewood noted that the land lies opposite the Fort Langley Community Hall which is a major attraction in the village and hosts many weddings and other events throughout the year.
Frank Cox, who chairs the Fort Langley Community Association, agreed that the buildings should be torn down.
“We don’t believe that this is representative of our heritage,” he told council.
Responding to a question about the property’s future after the buildings have been demolished, head planner Ramin Seifi advised that the property owner “is committed to keep the site green.”
While the public will have access to the green space, “the use could change,” Seifi said.
The property is zoned commercial.
Statewood principal Eric Woodward said later that the buildings will probably be demolished in January, and redevelopment will happen “in the next few years.”