Editor: I am writing in response to an article in The Times (Nov. 6), regarding an application for a 65-home development on the former Tuscan Farm Gardens property. What an amazing coincidence that there is also an open house scheduled for Tuesday at D.W. Poppy Secondary School, regarding the proposed water line coming from Langley to Aldergrove. One of the routes suggested is 64 Avenue, which of course is on one side of the Tuscan property.

As a long-time resident of this area, and a member of the Circle Farm Tour who brings thousands of visitors to our gardens, I am aghast that even the possibility of putting 65 more homes on our delicate aquifer would even be considered. Is that why one of the proposed water lines is to go by the property in question? Has anyone considered the environmental disaster this would be on the fish-bearing stream that runs through the property?

For heaven’s sake, we live in a rural, country area with rich farming land. We love it and we work it. Why do some who move here feel they have the right to buy here just on speculation, so they can develop the area and make their millions?

We do not want to be forced to take city water with the price tag that comes with it, nor do we want to have development shoved down our throats. Why does every area of Langley have to be under threat of development?

Does the Agricultural Land Commission and the Township realize that visitors come to our area because we are ‘country’? We like it that way and want to preserve the beauty for our children and grandchildren.

Please do not give this application to develop the former Tuscan property a chance to destroy what we have all worked so hard to protect. Our ground water is clean and chlorine-free, and as long as we don’t drain it by adding mega developments and learn to be water wise, we can all enjoy it for many years to come.

Pam Erikson,

Langley