Listen to Articles
These articles are our favourite deep dives into important issues and challenges facing the Township of Langley. Each article is available as an audio recording for convenient listening.
Financially Sustainable Growth in the Township of Langley
December 19, 2024 • Jаmеs Hаnsеn
The first in our two-part series examining Langley Township's financial sustainability as its debt rises from $168 million to $668 million. We critique the suburban development model as creating an "illusion of wealth" while failing to generate enough revenue to cover long-term infrastructure costs. We advocate for measuring community value in terms of value-per-acre and making better use of existing neighbourhoods rather than continuing to expand outward with debt-financed growth.
Want Shorter Hospital Wait Times? Start With Better Sidewalks
March 25, 2025 • Mike Parker and Jаmеs Hаnsеn
This article explores how Langley's health crisis extends beyond hospital funding to community design. With wait times at Langley Memorial Hospital reaching 18 hours, we present research showing that more walkable neighbourhoods could reduce hospital admissions by over 15%. In a community where 93% of residents drive to work, we advocate for better pedestrian infrastructure as preventative healthcare.
The Minimum Densities of Willoughby
July 23, 2024 • Jаmеs Hаnsеn
This article examines how Willoughby's planning approach, particularly minimum density requirements, affected development patterns. We explore how these density minimums, intended to create more diverse housing types, led to subsidized development through low development charges from 2007-2019. We critique the suburban planning model and argue for allowing established neighbourhoods to evolve organically through more flexible zoning policies.
Recent Articles
Below are our most recent articles. Click on any title to read the full article on Substack.