November 13, 2009
Safety and usability are what drove the Fort Langley Canoe Club's desire to renovate a dock along Bedford Landing.
The Bedford Dock's facelift is a collaborative effort involving federal, municipal, and local groups. Langley MP Mark Warawa's announcement of a $28, 930 grant under the Recreation Infrastructure Canada stimulus scheme was welcomed by members of the Fort Langley Canoe Club during a celebration in Fort Langley Saturday morning, Nov. 7.
Speaking after Warawa and Langley Township Mayor Rick Green, FLCC safety officer John Keightley thanked everyone for braving the wet and blustery weather to share the good news with the club. "We are very pleased to receive funding from the federal government to help us cover the costs of our new docks and ramp," said Keightley. "As many of you know, the old structures were repaired several times, but we have not considered them safe or adequate for quite some time.
At the start of this year, the club voted to replace them, using our entire capital fund, if necessary. This fund is based on fundraising and membership and boat usage fees paid by members over the past five years." Club members volunteered their time through the year to plan the dock arrangement work with the various levels of government, to receive development permission, renovate the floats which are "previously enjoyed," and work on the installation of the ramps and pilings.
The Fort Langley Canoe Club received $28,930 from the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, and a $7,500 municipal grant to relocate and rehabilitate the Bedford Dock at Fort Langley. The FLCC is also contributing $61,986.
"The new floats are a great facility for our four Dragon Boats, outrigger and voyageur canoes" continued Keightley. "With more than 300 members in the club, many of whom paddle all year round, we expect these floats to be in constant use." Keightley added that the improvements makes it much safer for the numerous community and school programs that our club provides from this dock.
"The goal of our club is to get people out on the water and encourage physical fitness activities for all ages," he noted. "The health benefits are obvious, but there is also a great deal of satisfaction from the social interaction and team building that our sport encourages, and for that we are very grateful for our location here in Fort Langley where we have access to cafes, restaurants and other facilities."
Keightley said the team members appreciate the support of Township in providing the lease for this dock, and their work with Parklane to get the Paddlesport facility in place on the other side of the bridge. "This protected stretch of river is ideal for many types of paddling and rowing," Keightley added. "There are plans to hold more regional and national regattas here, and the BC Games activities next year.
We have a great facility here and I am hoping we can continue this partnership to further develop the waterfront for the enjoyment of the community for viewing and walking, as well as the rowing and paddling community and its many needs, while maintaining the beautiful natural environment."
Keightley concluded by saying, "In closing, thanks very much to the federal government - this is indeed money well spent!"
