The McGillivray House
Fire & Redevelopment Risk
A c.1933 farmhouse rated 'high neighbourhood heritage value' by the Township's own evaluators was damaged by fire on February 27, 2026 — while sitting unprotected and awaiting redevelopment. The Township confirms it has no legal heritage protection.
21031 72 Avenue, Walnut Grove, BC · Fire: February 27, 2026
c. 1933
McGillivray House Built
The McGillivray family constructs a farmhouse at 21031 72 Avenue in what is now Walnut Grove. The 2,688 sq ft, 5-bedroom home sits on a 1.21-acre lot and becomes one of the oldest surviving residential structures in the area.
2004
Rated 'High Neighbourhood Heritage Value'
The Arlington Group conducts a heritage evaluation of the Northeast Gordon Estate neighbourhood. The McGillivray House receives a rating of 'high neighbourhood heritage value' and is referenced in the Northeast Gordon Estate Neighbourhood Plan (No. 4475) as a significant heritage resource.
TOL Northeast Gordon Estate Neighbourhood Plan No. 4475April 2019
Property Sold for $2.86 Million
The 1.21-acre lot is sold for $2.86 million. The sale raises concerns among heritage advocates about the future of the unprotected house, as the land value far exceeds any value attributed to the historic structure.
February 12, 2026
Redevelopment Inquiry Submitted
A redevelopment inquiry is submitted to the Township for the McGillivray House property. The Township confirms it has been 'working with the owners to establish protection and ensure its conservation, in the process of redevelopment of the site' — but no legal protection has been put in place.
Langley Advance Times — McGillivray House Fire (Feb 28, 2026)February 27, 2026
Fire Damages the Unoccupied House
At approximately 8:30 pm on February 27, 2026, fire breaks out in the abandoned McGillivray House, possibly caused by squatters. Police, fire, and ambulance respond. No injuries are reported, but the fire causes significant damage to the already-vulnerable structure. The Township confirms the house has 'no legal heritage protection.'
Langley Advance Times — Fire in Abandoned Walnut Grove House (Feb 28, 2026)February 28, 2026
Township Confirms: No Legal Protection in Place
In response to media inquiries, the Township of Langley confirms: 'The property has no legal heritage protection. The Township had been working with the owners to establish protection and ensure its conservation, in the process of redevelopment of the site.' The fire has now put the building's survival in serious doubt.
Langley Advance Times — Fire in Abandoned Walnut Grove House (Feb 28, 2026)Take Action
Official Sources
Time is critical
With a redevelopment inquiry already filed and fire damage now on record, the owner may seek a demolition permit. Council must impose heritage protection before that application is processed.
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