The Bedford Channel has become a popular rowing and paddling venue for both recreation and competitions. With the closure of the Cedar Mill, the channel was no longer being dredged on a regular basis and many years of silt build-up impaired boating activity. The Township of Langley together with many partners finally came up with a way to get the channel dredged. In 2007 the channel was dredged and training spurs were constructed to improve channel flow. Parklane Homes took on the $2 million dredging project as the silt material proved to be excellent fill material for their Bedford Landing development project. A funding partnership was created for construction of the training spurs including the Township of Langley ($50,000), Metro Vancouver Parks ($50,000), Province of B.C. ($100,000) and Parklane Homes ($200,000+). The Kwantlen First Nation was also a partner by allowing the seven training spurs to be constructed on reserve lands. The training spurs or points of rock served to narrow the channel and increase flow to reduce future silt build-up. The partnership developed out of a series of stakeholder meetings including Rowing and Canoe Clubs, Fisheries, B.I.A. and others facilitated by Federal Member of Parliament, Mark Warawa. The partnership also benefited by the involvement of MLA, Rich Coleman in securing Provincial assistance. The Bedford Channel will continue to play an important role in recent enhancements of the waterfront including the Fort to Fort Trail, the new Brae Island Park, the new boating centre and Marina Park expansion. Another example of building community through partnerships!
Also, see Langley Advance Article: July 1, 08 "Langley to Host Two Rowing Events" |
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