When the Fort Langley Lions formed in April of 1972 they would meet at the various restaurants in the village. After several years of bouncing around the Village it became obvious that the Club needed their own meeting place or “Lions Den”.
Several avenues were looked at and the “Old Gravel Pit” on the southeast corner of 88th and Glover was chosen as the site for the “FORT LANGLEY SENIOR HALL”
This land was owned by the Township of Langley. The Lions had very little money BUT a young group bent on making this project a reality.
We approached the Township and after several months of negotiations we were granted a Lease for the property, agreeing to take full responsibility of the Hall. We secured a $50,000 grant from the Gov’t Lotto at that time, another $35,000 from the Township in the form as a loan, and sold off many $100 bricks certificates.
Then we called on many volunteers to help build and supply materials for our building—–it is estimated that 50% of the materials used were donated. We also were able to secure student labour from a government program.
This facility truly represents the Lions Motto— “We Serve”
We had a “LION” foreman in Ed Lee, bookkeeping in Harry Waska, Landscaping in Joe Ubell , design by John Halverson and Management by Fred Jackson. Most of the original Club Members have passed on but their Love of Lions and the Seniors Hall still lives on.
Today, the facility hosts many events throughout the year . youth groups, comfort groups. (AA), funeral teas/memorials, senior events, Christmas Dinners, fund raisers, family events, meetings and many other events.
The Hall has come along way since the “dream” of 1971—today it has gone through many upgrades and proudly serves as an icon in the community.
This facility truly represents the Lions Motto—
“We Serve”