Dear Editor,
[Re: Brookswood's $32-M firehall should open in 2026, Langley Advance Times, Nov. 6]
The new Brookswood firehall is far too expensive.
As a former Langley resident of 21 years, I was amazed first of all that the barely 30 year old Brookswood firehall was already scheduled for replacement.
Secondly, $32 million is far too much to spend on one firehall that is part of an seven firehall fire department. The Brookswood firehall currently being used could easily be renovated for a few million dollars.
I lived in Brookswood/Fernridge most of my time living in Langley. I realize the population has greatly increased since I have lived there, but the fire department could spend that $32 million much more efficiently. Replacing the much older Otter firehall would be a good start. Also adding more paid firefighters and new fire apparatus would be a much better use of that $32 million.
A fire department near where I now live got a new firehall that fits six fire engines for $4.6 million two years ago. I spent 11 years in the fire service (out of province) and 10 years working as an ambulance attendant out of province so I understand fire station operations. Our fire department built a new station when I worked there so I also understand the process.
Langley Township, you can do better with taxpayers' money.
James Hunter, Comox
