Residents in the area of 200 Street and 56 Avenue in Langley City have made their feelings abundantly clear when it comes to plans for a new 24-hour 7-Eleven convenience store and gas bar in their neighbourhood.
Their sentiment, simply put, is ‘no, thanks.’
Despite the fact the location in question was, until relatively recently, occupied by a Husky gas station, which was in business for 28 years, it’s tough to blame people who are raising families in the area for being a little worried about what the new development might bring.
Their fear is that some or all of the problems that have plagued the existing 7-Eleven just down the road, may be duplicated in their backyards.
While those concerns may well be justified, it’s not really fair to look at it as a problem with the brand itself.
Any business that offers a combination of convenience (24-hour operation) and low-cost food and drink in a central location is going to draw a certain element in the middle of the night.
Will the problems, which the company says it has been working with police to eliminate, simply migrate down the street? Who knows?
Nobody, including the residents, the City or 7-Eleven itself, has a crystal ball.
But to give the company the credit it is due, they’re taking what steps they can to prevent that by consulting with crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) experts and, as mentioned, working closely with the RCMP.
Maybe residents’ concerns could also be met half way. Perhaps 24-hour operation isn’t strictly necessary?
The proposal raises another, rather obvious, question — why open a business to compete with one you already operate a mere 600 metres away?
Does this mean there are plans down the road to close the existing store at 203 Street and Douglas Crescent?
Would a clean and well-kept new building mean a fresh start for 7-Eleven in Langley City?
We don’t know what happens in or around the new 7-Eleven on 168 Street in Cloverdale after dark, but during daylight hours, it looks clean, well-run and fits in well to the developing community.
Maybe with a bit of compromise and plenty of communication, the opportunity exists to create something all parties can live with.