... The Canadian university championships will be the largest rowing event in the Lower Mainland since 1954's British Empire and Commonwealth Games. Those games were run on Chilliwack's Vedder Canal.
The natural channel needed a little help before it could be prime rowing and paddling water.
Key was dredging overseen by ParkLane Homes. The sand removed was then used in the company's development in Fort Langley.
The channel also now has structures to deliberately keep it narrowed to slow down the siltation in the future. As the channel filled in over the years, users, including the Kwantlan First Nation, were having trouble navigating the waterway.
The coaches explained what makes the channel prime rowing waters. Pearce said it's sheltered on both sides by high trees, which means the waters are not choppy and there's a slack current. In addition to the amenities right in the immediate area, the channel can easily accommodate a two-kilometre straightaway and up to four lanes.
Pearce added that unlike other courses which just have the final leg visible, there is high visibility of the whole channel which will make it much better for spectators and they can use both sides of the channel as well as the bridge to MacMillan Island for viewing.
With various rowing groups, ParkLane Homes, and governments working together, and the recent capital improvements to the area (dredging, the installation of spectator areas and washrooms, and a new floating boathouse), the coaches expect that Fort Langley will see more rowing events and elite competitions...