Our Shared History Helps Tell Langley's Story

Important events, eras, places, buildings, and people that made the Township of Langley what it is today have been documented in a concise statement that thematically tells Langley’s unique story.

Our Shared History, a Historic Context Statement and Thematic Framework for the Township of Langley, was created over the past year under the direction of a Task Force selected by the Township’s Heritage Advisory Committee.

The process of preparing the documents has involved extensive research and public consultation. Local residents contributed to the project by sharing their perspectives and reflections on Langley through providing submissions, participating in workshop conversations, and offering input at an interactive open house earlier this year.

The document will be used to as a tool for understanding, identifying, and assessing Langley’s historic sites based on where their significance lies within the greater community context.

“Our Shared History is a concise statement on how we developed over time, and not a written history in itself,” said Township of Langley Heritage Planner Elaine Horricks. “Instead, it looks at the themes and events that have been instrumental in defining the Township’s evolution, and lists the historic places that reflect these themes.”

The Historic Context Statement explores and provides a chronological summary of the major geographical, political, and socio-economic factors and events that contributed to Langley’s development. The Statement features chapters on Langley’s natural geographical setting, its enduring First Nations presence, the Contact period and establishment of the Hudson’s Bay Company, the development of British Columbia as a Crown colony, Canadian confederation, and municipal incorporation. The Great Western Boom, the First and Second World Wars, Post-war Langley, and Langley as it is today are also featured.

The Thematic Framework explores the themes identified in the Historic Context Statement by breaking them down under five key categories identified in the Parks Canada National Historic Sites System Plan and adapted for Langley Township. Themes include habitation, economies, governance, society, and the arts.