Upcoming Event: Has the ALR outlived its usefulness?

One of the things that I've written about extensively on this blog is the Agricultural Land Reserve. The ALR is the de facto urban growth boundary in Metro Vancouver and has helped shape our region into one of the most livable places in the world. The ALR has also protected green space and agricultural lands from being urbanized, helping preserve our vibrant agricultural sector. With this in mind, I received the following information about an event on the ALR in Langley that should be very provocative.

Has the ALR outlived its usefulness?
7 p.m., Thursday, March 28
Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Room 1030
20901 Langley Bypass

There is growing pressure on agricultural land in Fort Langley-Aldergrove; 70% of Langley is in the Agricultural Land Reserve. There are many in the community who believe that some of it should be removed from the ALR to allow development. Increased expansion brings in greater revenue for the Township Council and would help pay for infrastructure projects. There are equally adamant opponents to the removal of any of that acreage because farmland is disappearing and Langley and its neighbouring municipalities are regarded as the future "bread basket" for all of Metro Vancouver.

NDP candidate Shane Dyson has invited Harold Steves, one of the architects of the ALR, and Kent Mullinix, Institute for Sustainable Horticulture from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, to help lead a discussion in the community about the future of farmland and agriculture in Fort Langley-Aldergrove.

For more information, call 778-255-0767.

While this blog is non-partisan, a conversation about the role of the ALR in protecting green space and agricultural lands is an important one to have; no matter which political candidate is hosting it.