We are pleased to announce that Langley’s Fred Pepin is a recipient of an Award of Merit. The award was presented at the Federation’s annual conference awards night in Nakusp, BC on May 26, 2018.
For over 35 years, Fred has been instrumental in saving and restoring heritage structures in Langley. His skill in assessing the integrity of heritage structures and his deep knowledge of restoration techniques, combined with hands-on work have led to the preservation of dozens of structures in the community, saving many structures from the wrecking ball.
Fred’s work helped restore buildings like the classic 1915 CN Station in Fort Langley, which is now one of the village’s most popular tourist destinations. Others include one of the earliest farmhouses in the Fraser Valley, Wark/Dumais House, on the campus of Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Fred has saved houses, barns and churches in historic communities like Milner, Sperling, Murrayville, Langley Prairie, and the Kwantlen Reserve. Many buildings were being vandalized before his restoration work began and were facing demolition. Tenants with a love of heritage also live in these buildings, keeping them very much alive.
Mr. Pepin was unable to travel to Nakusp and accepting on his behalf was Langley Heritage Society executive member Mark Forsythe.
The BC Historical Federation’s Award of Merit may be given to groups or individuals who have made a significant contribution to the study or promotion of British Columbia history. The award may be for an individual project or for an activity over time.
Photographer: Darren Durupt
