Viewing Object

Ernie and Johanna Van Leuven bought this 2.8 hectare piece of property (1210 200th Street, in south Langley) adjacent to Campbell Valley Regional Park in 1957. Construction began on the building in 1962. Unable to open a bakery due to zoning regulations and problems obtaining the necessary permits , the Van Leuvens ran a reception hall and cabaret here instead. They closed their business in 1975 with the expectation that their land would be sold, but the deal fell through in 1980 and the municipality wouldn't allow them to re-open their business. Eventually, in about 1982, they were able to obtain the necessary permission to open their bakery again, despite their rural setting and complaints from some neighbours.