Incorporated in 1873, two years after the establishment of the province, the Township of Langley is the third oldest municipality in British Columbia. Its historical significance can be attributed to those characteristics and events that have afforded it a place within the regional, provincial and national landscape primarily related to its geography and location on the Fraser River, its ties with First Nations, its strategic position in the Pacific Northwest during the Hudson’s Bay Company era, its role in provincial and national consolidation, its resource and trade, and its diverse agriculture.

Langley’s early trade centres which created the downtowns of today, its streetscapes and neighbourhood nodes, its distinct community businesses, and its cultural landscapes and transportation infrastructure remain key elements of the Township. Because of its comparatively deep history, Langley has been firmly tied to stories about the establishment of the province, such as the Gold Rush of 1858, and the Declaration of the Crown Colony of British Columbia.

The Township of Langley operates on an integrated planning model where heritage conservation is a part of planning and development processes within the Community.

The Official Community Plan  outlines policies for heritage that play a key role in the development of complete and sustainable communities. Heritage policies for the specific communities that comprise the Township are also addressed within individual neighbourhood plans.

There are currently two heritage conservation areas in the Township. Descriptions and criteria for each conservation area are available in the community plan links below:

• Fort Langley Community Plan 
• Murrayville Community Plan 

In 2012, Township of Langley’s Council endorsed a Heritage Strategy  that outlines strategic goals and actions for heritage that align with the broader civic goals of economic, environmental and cultural sustainability, providing a direction for heritage to 2022 and beyond.