A few years ago the Wardens at St. Andrew’s Parish, Langley wrote Langley City council requesting a traffic signal be installed at the intersection of Fraser Highway and Old Yale Road. Many didn’t believe it would happen, especially when the announcement was made for the Federal/Provincial/Langley City/Translink $9.1M Nicomekl replacement Bridge project. The plan proposed removal of the old bridge, used by pedestrians, runners and cyclists as well as greatly restricted access for Old Yale Road users.
This devastating news initiated canvassing of our neighbours, regarding the new bridge project impact for the community. Access to our church would be greatly limited and the neighbours would have challenges going to school, work, shopping, walking and their normal routines. Yet, the perseverance, determination and pressure of a few St Andrew’s parishioners, residents, and community members such as Doubleday Arboretum Society, successfully articulated the Community’s Voice. City Council heard their voice. The project team wrestled to produce a safer, more efficient transportation project, which pleased all parties. The project was achieved under budget.
On Saturday morning—a cold and dreary day, May 28th 2011, the community gathered for the official bridge opening with the blinking, new traffic signals. Mayor Fassbender even arranged for a seven-plane fly-past to celebrate the project completion and the partnerships involved. St. Andrew Parish was named as a non-funding partner in the project for its involvement in shaping the project.
What an accomplishment! Folks warmed up in the parish hall for radical hospitality reception.
Some reflections:
1. St. Andrew is engaged in the MAP process, which encourages investigating new community partners. Little did we know our desire for a traffic signal could begin some new community relationships!
2. Our strategic plan included improving our building’s visibility. We had been working on “beautifying” our gardens. The New Bridge provides travelers an improved view of our property. The new Derek Doubleday Arboretum across Fraser Highway compliments our efforts. During the reception, it was commented, “St. Andrew is an “OASIS” for Langley”. Another article is required to expand on the conversation.
3. Unexpected financial benefits from the sale of a small parcel of land. We are grateful for one of our diocesan 'treasures, lawyer Don Paul who was instrumental negotiating the transaction.
4. We can be proud in successful facilitation of community/government conversations.
This devastating news initiated canvassing of our neighbours, regarding the new bridge project impact for the community. Access to our church would be greatly limited and the neighbours would have challenges going to school, work, shopping, walking and their normal routines. Yet, the perseverance, determination and pressure of a few St Andrew’s parishioners, residents, and community members such as Doubleday Arboretum Society, successfully articulated the Community’s Voice. City Council heard their voice. The project team wrestled to produce a safer, more efficient transportation project, which pleased all parties. The project was achieved under budget.
On Saturday morning—a cold and dreary day, May 28th 2011, the community gathered for the official bridge opening with the blinking, new traffic signals. Mayor Fassbender even arranged for a seven-plane fly-past to celebrate the project completion and the partnerships involved. St. Andrew Parish was named as a non-funding partner in the project for its involvement in shaping the project.
What an accomplishment! Folks warmed up in the parish hall for radical hospitality reception.
Some reflections:
1. St. Andrew is engaged in the MAP process, which encourages investigating new community partners. Little did we know our desire for a traffic signal could begin some new community relationships!
2. Our strategic plan included improving our building’s visibility. We had been working on “beautifying” our gardens. The New Bridge provides travelers an improved view of our property. The new Derek Doubleday Arboretum across Fraser Highway compliments our efforts. During the reception, it was commented, “St. Andrew is an “OASIS” for Langley”. Another article is required to expand on the conversation.
3. Unexpected financial benefits from the sale of a small parcel of land. We are grateful for one of our diocesan 'treasures, lawyer Don Paul who was instrumental negotiating the transaction.
4. We can be proud in successful facilitation of community/government conversations.
Images: Above, St. Andrew's parishioners and others gather to view the bridge opening ceremony. Below, the new sign.