The Glover–Mary–Church
Development Crisis
Two separate development applications on Glover Road now raise serious concerns for the character of Fort Langley's historic main street. Together they affect a significant portion of the downtown commercial core that has stood largely unchanged since the 1890s.
Even though the project has passed key approvals, projects like this still require additional permits and design approvals before construction begins. Public input can still influence building design, heritage protection measures, landscaping and streetscape, and future policy decisions about development in Fort Langley.
GMC Triangle: Glover Road · Mary Road · Church Street | West Side: 9181, 9205 & 9215 Glover Road
The Story
What Is at Stake
Fort Langley's Glover Road is one of the most intact 19th-century main streets in Western Canada. It is not a reconstruction or a theme park, it is a living, working community of independent shops, heritage buildings, and year-round residents who chose to live here precisely because of what makes it irreplaceable.
The GMC (Glover–Mary–Church) site sits at the very heart of this street. Bounded by Glover Road to the west, Mary Avenue to the north, and Church Street to the east, it occupies approximately 40% of Fort Langley's downtown commercial core. What is built here will define the character of the village for generations.
In June 2025, Township of Langley Council approved — by a narrow 4-to-3 vote — a plan for two 3-storey mixed-use buildings on this site, containing 76 residential units. The project is developed by Fort Langley Properties Ltd., the business arm of a non-profit foundation led by Mayor Eric Woodward. The mayor declared a conflict of interest and left the chamber. His voting slate approved the project.
The concerns raised by residents and three dissenting councillors are not about whether Fort Langley needs housing. They are about process, scale, and the integrity of heritage protection. A Heritage Alteration Permit originally issued for a smaller, much lower-density project was extended and applied to this significantly denser development. They should have had to reapply for a NEW HAP permit, and many legal observers argue this extension is inconsistent with the Local Government Act. And because of Bill 44's changes to public hearing requirements, residents had no formal opportunity to speak against it.
Key Takeaway
The original heritage permit was issued for an earlier concept, yet when the project expanded from roughly 47 to 76 units, the Township chose to extend the existing permit instead of requiring a new heritage review — raising serious concerns about whether the historic character of Fort Langley received proper scrutiny. Residents worry that if larger developments are approved using older heritage permits without a full new heritage review, then it could set a precedent for future projects in the village.
GMC Triangle Plans Emerge
Plans emerge to transform the Glover–Mary–Church triangle — bounded by Glover Road (west), Mary Road (north), and Church Street (east) — into mixed-use development. The Fort Langley Community Association raises early concerns about scale and heritage compatibility with the existing one- and two-storey commercial streetscape.
FV Current: New Development in Fort LangleyHAP No. 101218 Issued for 47-Unit Project
Heritage Alteration Permit No. 101218 is issued for a mixed-use project on the GMC site — originally scoped for 47 residential units and second-floor office space. The permit is tied to a specific project design. The Fort Langley Community Association raises concerns about the lack of a formal public input opportunity.
FLCA: Glover Mary Church Goes to TOL CouncilSecond Application: 9181/9205/9215 Glover Road
A completely separate development application is received by the Township for 9181, 9205, and 9215 Glover Road — on the WEST side of Glover Road. The applicant proposes a Heritage Alteration Permit to retain and restore one existing commercial building AND construct two new commercial buildings. Architect: Site Lines Architecture Ltd. The FLCA publishes details and encourages residents to review the drawings.
FLCA: New Glover Road Commercial Development Permit Application (Jun 13, 2025)HAP No. 101218 Extended — But for a Denser Project
Council authorizes a 2-year extension of HAP No. 101218 — but the project it now covers is materially different: second-floor offices have been replaced with additional residential units, increasing density from 47 to 76 units. Critics argue this exceeds the scope of the original permit and that a new HAP application should have been required.
TOL Public Notice: HAP No. 101218 Extension (Jun 16, 2025 PDF)Council Approves Density Increase — 4 to 3 Vote
In a narrow 4-3 vote, Township Council (Mayor Woodward's slate) approves changes to the plan: second-floor office space is replaced with residential units, increasing the total from 47 to 76 units across two 3-storey buildings. Mayor Woodward declares a conflict of interest and leaves the chamber. His voting slate approves the change. Councillors Richter, Kunst, and Martens vote against.
Langley Advance Times, Jun 26, 2025Community Petition
Demand Better Heritage Protection for Fort Langley
Urge Mayor Woodward and the council majority to revisit the GMC Heritage Alteration Permit, impose stronger design requirements, and require further independent heritage reviews.
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Recent Signers
"This town is a vital, heritage gem that needs to be protected. The current proposals do not respect the history and charm of the town, especially the Glover rd proposals. I also believe that Bill 44 should not apply to designated heritage sites and towns. Public needs input"
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Fort Langley has 3,800 residents. The more people who know about this issue, the stronger the community voice becomes.
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