Langley Good Times Cruise-In organizers plan to hold a public meeting in late June, to update residents about moving the annual charitable fundraiser from Langley City to Aldergrove.
By that time, Cruise-In president Wayne Patterson expects to have a decision on the volunteer group’s application to the provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to close Fraser Highway at the 264 Street intersection in Aldergrove to help accommodate the annual display of classic hot roads, custom and exotic cars.
Patterson is confident the approval will be granted, noting the Township has reached out to the provincial authorities to “fast-track” the decision.
“By early June, I should have all the information (about the highway approval),” Patterson said.
All the other proposed road closures have already been approved by the Township, he added.
Currently, plans call for a two-day car show beginning Saturday, Sept. 9, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. along the Fraser Highway from 264 to 273 Streets and along 272 Street from 39 to 32 Avenues, followed by a Sunday swap meet and car corral at 3100 272 St., from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Parking will be provided at Philip Jackman park, Parkside Centennial Elementary and the Langley Banquet Centre.
Following a dispute with the City over policing costs last year, Patterson said Cruise-In was approached by the Township of Langley about moving to Aldergrove.
“While not ideal, the Cruise-In Board and committees feel we could make a good show in downtown Aldergrove, which is still a part of Langley,” Patterson said in a letter posted to the Cruise-in website.
A letter from the City to Cruise-In said because the RCMP had sharply restricted the use of volunteer auxiliary officers, the City would have to replace those volunteers with paid members.
Patterson said the City told Cruise-In it would now have to pay for police to be on duty the night before the event and the cost would be approximately $20,000, with an additional $5,000 deposit.
“The Cruise-In has met with the City many times and told them that there is absolutely no way we’ll pay for policing. So now the Cruise-In is left with the decision to shut down or move the show.”
The Township has agreed to cover policing costs, Patterson said.
After Cruise-In decided to go ahead and move to Aldergrove, Langley City businessman Randy Caine announced plans to create a replacement show and shine that would be held on Aug. 6, a month ahead of the Aldergrove Cruise-In.
Patterson said Cruise-In has asked car clubs not to participate in the replacement event and “most clubs” have agreed to boycott the proposed show and shine.
Caine said he intends to proceed despite the opposition by Cruise-In.
Following a meeting with the City on May 17, Caine said there appeared to be enough support from the City and potential participants to move forward.
Caine said he would submit an application this week to hold the event, now called “Langley Days.”
The name is a nod to the Langley Days society that ended in 1986, Caine said.
“My hope is to rekindle a past institution,” Caine said.