A recent Letter to the Editor in the Langley Advance by Mr. Doug McFee "Land Plan Shows Disrespect" has spurned our Editorial Board to do an investigation into this issue. The question here truly is, who was disrespectful? The Township of Langley or Mr. McFee? Firstly, we wanted to get to the heart of the facts. Something that Mr. McFee in all his wisdom, failed to do. Apparently re is relying on public innuendo and speculation, rather than taking the time to do his homework. Pity, pity, as that in itself is disrespectful!
The Township of Langley it turns out, is not hiding anything at all. In fact, if anyone should be blamed , it is Trinity Western University, for not coming out publically sooner. But Mr. McFee is a good buddy of Trinity Western and McFee’s SRES (Salmon River Environmental Society) partners with the university on a number of public education projects. We gather this is a HUGE case of not biting the hand that feeds you, or not whipping your master. McFee decided that someone had to be blamed and so he puts that blame solely on the shoulders of the Township of Langley – how disrespectful!
The Editorial Board of the Langley Record has determined from our investigation that yes, the Township owns one of the properties in the composite plan of three properties that TRINITY is making application to withdraw from the ALR. Trinity is a growing (both in student body and reputation) university campus of international quality. Many of their existing dorms are old and in significant need of repair . Where do you go for that as your campus is full? Pick up stakes like others do and leave the community? Or simply look to expand across the road and remain dedicated to the local community!
The advertisement in the paper we have confirmed was paid for by Trinity Western University, not the Township. The paper chose the location of it in the ‘Classified’ section – not the Township. Our investigation also revealed that the Township will serve as a point of contact for input and public feedback, but this is being done more as a courtesy. This may seem to lack transparency to some, but we hear the ToL doesn't want to go there with this mayor and his lack of transparency on many issues in only his first year.
The Township as we understand it, has no part in reviewing these plans for appropriateness. This will be Trinity’s job, along with the ALC, who are paid to do that. Trinity planed an open house for this evening - Dec. 10th from 4 – 6. Once again, this news could have been found with a mere phone call to Trinity – the applicant! Once again the Editorial Board determined that it was Trinity that chose the date and time for public input. The fact that this came forth just before Christmas is something that Mr. McFee should discuss with Trinity.
We can go on and on regarding this issue. Actually the local papers has spelled it all out quite well using factual details in the story. This situation could have been avoided if Mr. McFee would have done his homework and been more respectful in his approach. Instead he choose to simply blame. Unfortunately for Mr. McFee he has lost a lot of respect with the informed public on this issue and that includes the SRES. In the future we will all know well to read letters from this source with skepticism.