Township of Langley Heritage Strategy 2012
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TOWNSHIP OF LANGLEY HERITAGE STRATEGY APRIL 2012 TOWNSHIP OF LANGLEY HERITAGE STRATEGY TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...............................................................2 1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................4 1.1 Heritage Strategy Process ................................................................4 1.2 Township Profile .............................................................................7 1.3 Langley’s Historical Context ........................................................... 7 1.4 Community Benefits .......................................................................9 2. THE BROADER CONTEXT ..................................................10 2.1 Defining Heritage ........................................................................10 2.2 The Global Context ......................................................................11 2.3 Conservation in Canada ............................................................... 11 2.4 Provincial Legislation ................................................................... 13 2.4.1 Local Government Act .........................................................13 2.4.2 Heritage Conservation Act ................................................... 13 2.4.3 Community Charter .............................................................14 2.4.4 Agricultural Land Reserve .................................................... 14 2.4.5 B.C. Building Code ..............................................................15 2.4.6 Energy Efficiency Act ........................................................... 15 2.4.7 Homeowner Protection Act ..................................................15 2.5 The Link between Heritage and Sustainability ..............................16 2.6 The Link between Heritage and Economic Development ..............17 2.7 Arts & Cultural Services ................................................................17 3. CURRENT SITUATION .......................................................... 18 3.1 A History of Conservation Efforts in Langley ................................ 18 3.2 Current Heritage Program .............................................................20 3.3 Heritage Incentives .......................................................................20 3.3.1 Provincial Financial Incentives .............................................22 3.3.2 Federal Financial Incentives .................................................23 3.4 Current Challenges .......................................................................23 3.5 Current Opportunities ...................................................................25 3.6 Community Partnerships ...............................................................26 4. THE HERITAGE STRATEGY ............................................... 28 4.1 Action Plan for Implementation ....................................................29 4.2 Monitoring ................................................................................... 42 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...........................................................44 Cover Images Top: Barn in Langley, Flickr Centre: Original Storehouse at Fort Langley, 1961 (BCA b_09512) Bottom right: Berry Barn (DLA) Bottom left: Milner Church, c. 1886 (LCM 4620) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Langley’s early communities, its rural lands, and its legacy The Link Between Heritage and Sustainability: of personal histories, traditions and events weave a rich In recent years, heritage conservation has been historic tapestry that creates Langley’s unique sense of place. recognized within the sustainability framework as Its heritage sites and cultural landscapes are touchstones a crucial point at which economic, environmental, to a diverse past that provides aesthetic enrichment and social or cultural interests coincide to support common educational opportunities for residents and visitors. community goals. Preserving heritage values has a Conserving and celebrating the heritage of the Township of significant impact on all aspects of sustainability – social, Langley will allow the community to retain and convey a environmental and economic. The intelligent reuse of sense of history, supporting the development of a complete our existing building stock will support Langley’s vision and sustainable community. A deeper appreciation of the of developing complete and sustainable communities past will allow citizens to move into the future as stewards as outlined in the 2008 Sustainability Charter. The of this historic legacy, within the context of the Township’s conservation of heritage sites is also important from ongoing development. an urban design perspective. Our historic places, early communities and rural lands contribute significantly This Heritage Strategy is a long range strategic document that to Langley’s unique sense of place by maintaining presents not only a shared vision of the future of heritage in the historic context and providing a framework for new Township, but also a series of actions that outline how, over development. time, this vision will unfold. In early 2010, the Township of Langley Heritage Advisory Committee approved preliminary The Link Between Heritage and Economic work associated with the development of a heritage strategy Development: for the Township, and in May of the same year, a Heritage Heritage is good for Langley’s economic environment Strategy Task Force was formed. and good for business. Investment in heritage conservation provides economic stimulus that results The public consultation process has comprised a significant in enhanced tax assessments, more interesting portion of the development of the Heritage Strategy. Its urban environments, supports competitive business primary purpose has been to determine the importance recruitment and retention strategies, and provides and values collectively placed on heritage, to understand opportunities for business incubation. Heritage sites broad perspectives and aspirations, and to align heritage are a key factor in the development of cultural tourism conservation with broader community and civic goals. opportunities, and provide valuable support to the In addition, public consultation has sought to develop a local film industry. values-based vision grounded in worldwide best practices, to build public awareness of local conservation efforts, and Vision and Goals: to set goals and priorities for heritage conservation based The Heritage Strategy defines a ten-year plan that is a on public input. As part of this consultation process, reflection of Langley’s unique history, its communities five themed stakeholder focus group workshops were and its way of life that will enhance the sustainability held and a multi-stage online survey was conducted. and long-term viability of heritage resources in the This survey has been revised throughout the course Township. The natural, cultural and built heritage of of the project to allow for targeted responses, a multi- Langley defines its identity, gives it a distinct character, stage process that has allowed continuous public and and contributes to the residents’ quality of life. The stakeholder comment on the general content of the Heritage Strategy respects these cherished values, and Heritage Strategy, and encouraging continuous review embeds them in its recommendations. of its progress and recommendations. 2 TOWNSHIP OF LANGLEY | HERITAGE STRATEGY The Vision of this Plan has been derived from GOAL 1: Provide Municipal Leadership in Heritage consultation with the broader community, and reflects Conservation a community values-based approach to heritage GOAL 2: Promote Heritage Conservation as a resource management. The Heritage Strategy has been Sustainability Activity based on an analysis of the existing challenges and GOAL 3: Link Heritage Conservation and Economic opportunities through consultation with Township staff, Development community stakeholders, heritage program participants GOAL 4: Celebrate Langley’s Unique Heritage and the general public. A number of significant GOAL 5: Protect Langley’s Rural Lands community values emerged from the program of GOAL 6: Foster Community Partnerships community consultation that forms the foundation GOAL 7: Update Heritage Policies in an Integrated of the Plan’s recommendations. Through the various Planning Framework stakeholder and community meetings and workshops, GOAL 8: Make Heritage Information Accessible the following vision was developed for the Township’s GOAL 9: Pursue Funding Opportunities to Advance heritage program: Heritage Program Components A VISION FOR LANGLEY’S HERITAGE TO 2022 AND Implementation: BEYOND The implementation of the Heritage Strategy will unfold over time, through the combined efforts of the The Township of Langley will support the sustainable Township, stakeholders, individuals and community development of our urban structure and our rural areas partnerships. The implementation process will benefit through a heritage resource management program that from a coordinated community effort to advance the assists in the development of a complete community. goals of heritage conservation. The Implementation Plan As we plan for Langley’s future, we will respect our provides a road map for how the goals of the Heritage past by providing a balance for new development that Strategy can be prioritized, who can take the lead and recognizes the importance of our historic communities, who can provide support for each proposed Action, our rural