Langley Profile: Tracks Through Time, The Legacy of the Fort Langley CNR Station
The Canadian National Railway played a pivotal role in facilitating agricultural expansion and settlement in the Fraser Valley. Let's talk about it.
Jenny Holly Hansen
The Canadian National Railway (CNR) Station in Fort Langley, British Columbia, stands as a significant monument to the region's rich railway heritage. Constructed in 1915 by the Canadian Northern Railway (CNoR), the station played a pivotal role in facilitating agricultural expansion and settlement in the Fraser Valley. Following the amalgamation of CNoR into the Canadian National Railway in 1918, the station continued to serve passengers until its closure in 1980.
Architectural Significance
Designed as a standard Third Class station, the Fort Langley CNR Station is one of the few remaining structures of its kind in Western Canada and the only surviving station from this era in the Langley region. Its architectural design reflects the utilitarian yet functional style typical of early 20th-century railway stations.
Relocation and Restoration
Originally situated approximately 240 meters west of its current location, the station was moved in 1983 by dedicated volunteers from the Langley Heritage Society. This relocation was part of a broader effort to preserve the building's historical integrity. In recognition of its heritage value, the station was declared a Municipal Heritage Site in 1984.
Current Use and Public Engagement
Today, the Fort Langley CNR Station operates as a heritage site, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's railway past. The station features a restored 1920s wooden caboose with the Glen Valley model railway, a 1940s passenger car equipped with a telegraph station for interactive learning, and a gallery showcasing local artists in the baggage room. These exhibits provide an immersive experience, highlighting the station's historical significance and its role in the community.
Visiting Information
The station is open to the public from Victoria Day weekend through Thanksgiving, operating Thursday to Sunday from noon until 4 pm. Visitors can explore the station's various exhibits and partake in guided tours that delve into the site's rich history. The surrounding heritage gardens further enhance the visitor experience, reflecting the station's historical ambiance.
The Fort Langley CNR Station stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of railway history in British Columbia, offering both residents and visitors an opportunity to connect with the past and appreciate the evolution of transportation in the region.
Let’s Keep Talking:
Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance.
She is also a business development consultant with Impresario Partners, helping Canadian Business expand overseas.
She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jhansen@waypoint.ca. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/. Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social
Let’s Meet Up:
Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4
Tags: #Jenny Holly Hansen #Fort Langley, BC #Canadian National Railway #Canadian Northern Railway #Fort Langley CNR Station #Langley Heritage Society
Members Discussion