Langley residents speak out against Brookswood/Fernridge plan

More than 400 people turned out for a public hearing in Langley, B.C., on Tuesday evening to express their concerns about a plan to triple the population of one neighbourhood in the next 30 years.

The Brookswood/Fernridge Community Plan calls for more development that would boost the population from 13,500 to 42,000 over the next 30 years.

Most in attendance appeared to believe that's too much growth too fast, and many held up yellow signs saying, "Vote No," urging council not to support the plan.  

One resident who opposed the plan was Anne Michelle Dereus.

"Don't cheapen this gorgeous place by recklessly developing it into a sea of condos and townhouses" said Dereus.

"The reason Brookswood is attractive to someone looking to buy a home in a beautiful neighbourhood is the same thing you look to destroy with this development — the rural feel and emphasis on environmentalism."

But others, like Bill Hastie, said they are looking forward to the infrastructure improvements that would come with the increased population.

"I believe the overwhelming majority of property owners are in favour of the draft plan, as proposed."

The hearing was supposed to be held on Monday night, but the massive crowd wouldn't fit in council chambers. Council will vote on the proposal on March 31.