Editor: Over recent months, I have read much about the proposal to Metro Vancouver board to allow Langley Speedway to reopen. As a resident who has previously lived in the U.K. and seen how much larger tracks can co-exist with local communities, industry and wildlife, it’s a little surprising to see so much misinformation presented as fact.
One of the main discussions has centred around how the equestrian community and wildlife will be affected by the reopening of this existing facility.
At the Laguna Seca Track in California, horse riders come and watch the races.
It is one of many tracks which co-exist with horses. Laguna Seca is also a home for horses, deer and even has a successful animal rescue centre opposite.
Closer to home, Portland also has a bird sanctuary, while the Detroit street circuit even has a zoo located inside its perimeter.
Many tracks are also located within or close to national parks. Others are located in areas of natural beauty or preservation, including the famous Nurburgring in Germany and Castle Coombe in the U.K., which is adjacent to “the prettiest village in England.”
All these tracks are significantly larger road courses than Langley. Most are in excess of three miles, compared to the Langley quarter-mile oval.
The track at Langley takes up less than one per cent of the park, with two per cent with the parking areas included. The track would be in use for 14 out of the 365 days in a year. That is also significantly less than many other tracks.
Noise pollution is another concern. I noticed the opposition was using data from 35 years ago. I’m not aware of many studies which would use such old data. Cars and even circuit speaker systems have come along way in 35 years.
Trees will also have grown massively in those decades providing a natural wall for noise. Cars have to meet circuit sound levels around the world. This really is a non-issue.
Reopening the track would help our local economy and community in these tough times. It would bring different types of horsepower together and provide an exciting activity which families can come and watch. Horse riding is for the select few who can afford the costs attributed to this. Langley Speedway would allow all the community to enjoy the park.
Andrew Blackmore,
Langley