A controversial water main has been approved by Langley Township council.
On Monday evening, council passed the 64 Avenue and 224 Street water local area service bylaw and eastern loop, by a vote of 8-1, with only Coun. Petrina Arnason opposed.
The water main, which will run along 64 Avenue from Glover Road to 226 Street, and up a portion of 216 Street, 224 Street, 226 Street, 63 Avenue on unopened road allowance and Highway 10, sparked an impassioned response from neighbours, many of whom were either strongly in support of the project, or vehemently against it.
Several of those in support of the project have said they’re facing supply issues, with their wells running dry, or that their wells are producing contaminated water filled with arsenic, coliform and salt.
Whereas those against it have said the cost — amounting to more than $100,000 for some of the properties — would create undue hardship, and is especially unfair when they didn’t want or need the water in the first place.
However, an official petition mailed to the neighbours shows that 54.7 per cent are in favour, which was the rationale Coun. Kim Richter said she used in her vote.
“This has been a really tough one … because this community has been vocal on both sides,” she said.
“There are more people, though, that are desperately in need of water than there are people who have actively voted no on this. So I think I need to vote on the side of making sure that the people who live in the area who need water, get water.
So I will be supporting this LAS (local area service).”