The Government of Canada approved the establishment of an "Advisory Board for Historic Site Preservation" in 1919, which was subsequently named the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC). The HSMBC now consists of 17 members, who advise the Minister of Canadian Heritage on matters of national historic significance. Each province and territory is represented on this Board, as well as the Dominion Archivist and a representative of the National Museums of Canada.
Text from the HSMBC plaque mounted at Fort Langley:
Fort Langley was built by the Hudson's Bay Company 2 ½ miles below this site in 1827, and moved here in 1839. It burned and was rebuilt in 1840. As fur resources were exhausted, supply replaced trade as the fort's major role. Here the Company operated a large farm, began the west coast salmon packing industry, and exported produce to parts in Alaska, Hawaii and other Pacific areas. Fort Langley was also a terminus of the first practical all-British route from the coast to the interior. On 19 November 1858 the Colony of British Columbia was here proclaimed.
The following are excerpts from the HSMBC proceedings, concerning the national significance of Fort Langley:
List of sites in Western Canada recommended by J.H. Coyne
...B.C....Langley Fort, B.C.
A general discussion took place in regard to the marking of Hudson Bay forts. Mr. Harkin explained that the several Ministers of the Interior were in favour of preserving a typical Hudson's Bay fort in the Prairie Provinces, and the attitude of the Hudson's Bay Company regarding the endeavour to acquire Fort Pelly for this purpose.
It was built in 1827, a couple of mile below the spot now under discussion. It was burned in 1840. The original intention of the fort emanated from Sir George Simpson, who found that the maritime trade was monopolized by the fur traders from Boston. After the union of the Hudson's Bay Company and the Northwest Company he determined to drive these off the field and for that purpose to establish a trading post.
As a result Fort Langley was founded in 1827; it was the only post on the Pacific Coast between Astoria and Alaska.
In this vicinity the Hudson's Bay Company carried on extensive farming operations, the first in British Columbia.
In 1840 (sic - the actual date is 1839) Fort Langley was rebuilt some two miles further up the river, with fifteen buildings inside the palisades. The Company began at Langley the export of salmon, supplying the forts of the Company and the Sandwich Islands.
After the treaty which divided Oregon the Hudson Bay Company found it impossible to continue the use of the Columbia River as a trade route, and in consequence abandoned that River in 1848, and forwarded their goods to Langley, for transshipment to their forts in British Columbia.
In 1858 the Colony of British Columbia was founded and the act creating the colony was proclaimed at Langley on the 19th of November, 1858, the first proclamation of the Governor was issued from Fort Langley.
The fifteen buildings have all fallen except one, ten years ago there were two. There is no other disused post of the Company on the coast existing at the present time. The remaining building is of hewn fir, about ten inches wide, and there are uprights set about eight feet apart into which the hewn pieces are inserted.
Its timbers are sound with the exception of the Northeast corner. The size of the building is 24 feet by 48 feet.
The building can be preserved at the present time. It stands on a little elevation of 30 or 40 feet. The Canadian National right of way comes up to the property. The building stands about 150 feet from the right of way and is plainly visible from the passing train. A good road is on two sides of the fort, and it stands close to the Fraser River.
Mr. Harkin stated that if the site is to be regarded as of national importance, his view would be that if the site be donated to the Federal Government he would prepare to recommend that the Dominion take it over and maintain and preserve it, in which all other members concurred.
Moved by Judge Howay, Seconded by Major Edwards.
That it is the view of the members of this Board that Fort Langley is a site of national importance and worthy of preservation as such and also worthy of commemoration in the usual form.
Carried
Judge Howay stated that the Native Sons of British Columbia were raising the remaining funds required for the acquisition of the Fort Langley Site.
Moved by Judge Howay, Seconded by Mr. Harkin
That the matter of commemorating Fort Langley be proceeded with, without delay, with the object of having it completed and unveiled for the centenary in November next, and that Judge Howay attend as representative of the Board.
Carried
Fort Langley
Matter considered, no action necessary.
Fort Langley, B.C.
Moved by Judge Howay, Seconded by Dr. Webster
That, if possible, the Department consider favourably the necessity of making certain repairs to the old building to the extent of $325.00.
Carried
Fort Langley, B.C.
Moved by Mr. Harkin, Seconded by Dr. Webster
That Judge Howay be requested at the earliest possible date to submit a statement as to any construction work of a permanent character which he thinks might properly be done at Fort Langley, and that such statement receive consideration when the Interior department's construction funds are being allocated.
Carried
Moved by Dr. Sage, Seconded by Dr. Lamb
That the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recommends that the Department of Resources and Development give favourable consideration to the request of the Fort Langley Restoration Committee for a grant not to exceed $15,000 towards the rebuilding of the Fort. It is suggested also that the Department negotiate with the Municipality of Langley, with a view to securing title of the two acres adjoining the property now owned by the Department.
Carried
Proposed Restoration of Fort Langley, British Columbia
Dr. Sage presented a progress report in connection with the proposed restoration of Fort Langley, and stated that he would keep the department advised of any further developments.
Dr. Sage placed before the Board a proposal for the restoration of Fort Langley and presented plans of the suggested layout which had been prepared by Mr. J. Calder Peeps. He asked that the members give consideration to recommending that a national historic park be established comprising the site of the fort, which embodies an area of approximately three acres.
Following a discussion of the proposal it was agreed that further consideration of it should be deferred until tomorrow's session in order that the members might have an opportunity of reviewing the correspondence and plans presented to them by Dr. Sage.
Moved by Dr. Sage, Seconded by Professor Long
That in the opinion of the Board, Fort Langley should be established a National Historic Park, and steps taken to develop the area.
Carried
Moved by Dr. Sage, Seconded by Professor Long
That the Board approves of the following recommendations and suggested that they be forwarded to the minister for approval:
The Board recommends:
Carried
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: April 11, 1998