One of the “greenest guys in Langley” will be running for the B.C. Green Party in the Langley riding.
Wally Martin, with his wife Sharon, is the co-owner of the Princess and the Pea Bed and Breakfast in Murrayville, an historic building that he rebuilt board by board, after securing a 99-year lease from the Township to restore and operate it. It was originally built in 1887 as the Travellers Hotel. He has lived in Langley since 1968.
He is also a former Environmentalist of the Year in Langley. This is an award that was initiated by MP Mark Warawa when he was parliamentary secretary to the minister of the environment. It is awarded annually to individuals, organizations and young people who work for improvement of the environment.
Martin is a former federal Liberal, but has now embraced the Green cause for the upcoming provincial election. He is a former realtor and builder, and in 1980 built the first Double E (Energy Efficient) house in B.C., setting a new standard for house building in the province. The B.C. Building Code subsequently and in part reflected his approach to EE construction, using R25 insulation and triple glaze windows.
He has initiated many energy efficient and organic practices at his bed and breakfast, including the installation of solar panels and reduction of electrical energy use by 80 per cent. He is now an Independent Power Producer and sells energy back to BC Hydro.
Martin is also active in the campaign to stop the spread of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), and his establishment is GMO-free. He sees GMOs as having an effect on the B.C. salmon fishery, as well as agriculture.
In the past, he has actively campaigned against Tourism Langley, which levies a tax on hotels, including his. He has stated that it does not bring any tourist business to his establishment.
He was also heavily involved in the 2010 referendum campaign, which successfully collected enough signatures to initiate a province-wide vote on restoring the provincial sales tax (PST).
He is also the volunteer booking agent for the historic Murrayville Hall, located across the street from his business.
“I really like the fact the Greens look forward seven generations,” he said about his decision to run for the BC Green Party. “I’m running to make the world a better place for our kids and grandkids. I wholly embrace the Green Party policies based on economic and environmental sustainability.”
As an MLA, he pledges to work toward equality for everyone across the social spectrum.
“I won’t be representing just the few,” he says. “I will work hard to support those who are unable to achieve their best successes on their own.”
The Greens have yet to name a candidate in the Fort Langley-Aldergrove riding.
