Sunday, May 4, 2008

The Langley Times - Development Put in Context

In today's Langley Times editor Frank Bucholtz discusses a recent transit forum in Langley, and how he liked what Stephen Rees had to say about growth and municipal planning being centred around the car since 1945, and how this much change.

Mr. Bucholtz points out that in his mind Mr. Rees differentiated himself from the "Vancouver anti-growth crowd" that he says does not understand how the South Fraser region differs from Vancouver. Rees said that the Lower Mainland will keep growing "and you can't stop it". SFOT agrees with Rees on this very logical point. But if we will follow the patterns of other municipalities using best practices, we can begin to build our communities around people. Higher density development/compact communities, community rail, neighbourhood streetcars and light rail within a 5-10 minute walk.

We have pointed out this lack of smart growth at the South Fraser OnTrax website on The Issues page and some remedies are offered on The Solutions page. We will soon have an entire section of the website devoted to Transit Oriented Development (TOD). An area that is of great interest to the authors of this Blog. So much so that we are about to embark on acquiring credentials in this area of study. We are very happy that the local press like the ideas put forth by Stephen Rees.

SOUTHERN RAILWAY OF B.C. WILLING TO LET PEOPLE RIDE THE RAILS

The new president of the railway is open to passenger rail. Read all about it in the Langley Times.

200th STREET STREETCAR IDEA GETS MORE PRESS

The Langley Times covered Councillor Jordan Bateman's presentation.

Three Langley Times articles this week, plus multiple stories in the Langley Advance. Looks like light rail is getting some much-needed attention.

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