Bedford Channel in Fort Langley is poised to become a venue for major rowing events, say both Mayor Kurt Alberts and the rowing coach for the University of the Fraser Valley.
Alberts said on Monday that within weeks, official announcements will be made about two university-level rowing championships here.
He said the Township has been in discussions with the University of British Columbia and Rowing B.C., and a few details remain to be worked out, before the events are announced.
In a council discussion of sports tourism last week, the mayor said Bedford is becoming recognized as a premium venue in the province, not only for rowing, but also for kayaking and canoeing events. And he told council that an announcement was in the offing for a major rowing event in the near future.
UFV rowing coach Liz Chisholm confirmed on Tuesday that the events are the Western Canadian University Rowing Championship, slated for Oct. 18, and the Canadian University Rowing Championship, slated for Nov. 1 and 2.
Chisholm had discussed Bedford Channel as a rowing venue with UBC's rowing coach Mike Pearce in November. UBC is to host the Western Canadian University Rowing Championship this year. Both Pearce and University of Victoria rowing coach Howie Campbell checked out the Bedford Channel in January.
"They were ecstatic," said Chisholm.
Chisholm said the Western Canadian event is expected to draw university teams of up to 42 members, from provinces west of Ontario, including all B.C. universities with rowing teams...