Langley Township council will move ahead with putting Fort Langley's power lines underground, despite concern from residents and heritage activists.

Ted Lightfoot of the Langley Heritage Society questioned whether undergrounding the overhead wires in the downtown Fort - from 96th Avenue north along Glover, along with nearby sections of Mavis Avenue - is the best move.

"It's a huge disruption," said Lightfoot.

He said it will involve tearing up the streets and sidewalks, and that putting through the wires could damage roots and kill trees along the main road.

He said the $3 million project, of which about $2 million will be borne by local property owners, is too expensive. Lightfoot called for the wires to perhaps be moved behind the street's main buildings instead.

Representatives of the Fort Langley BIA, which started the proposal, were on hand to argue in favour of the plan.

Misty Van Popta argued that any areas, includ-ng Brookswood and ldergrove within angley, as well as eritage commun-ties like Steveston in ichmond, have already eautified by removing their power lines.

Putting the lines underground will allow unobstructed views of the buildings, including local stores and the Fort Langley Community Hall, argues the BIA.

The council argued about whether the trees will be damaged, but ultimately voted 6-2 in favour of the plan, with councillors Kim Richter and David Davis opposed.

"I think this will hopefully protect the trees," said Coun. Steve Ferguson. He noted that the trees have branches lopped off every year by BC Hydro to protect their power lines.

Coun. Fox said there will be an inconvenience during the process, but said it will be a short term pain for a long term gain.

The undergrounding was sparked by a local area improvement petition, which had the support of just over 51 per cent of local property owners.

mclaxton@langleyadvance.com