Township of Langley Council Meeting Summaries

Hello Strong Towns Langley members! Todd here with your friendly recap of the Township Council meeting held on Monday, September 15, 2025. Council returned from summer break to a newly upgraded AV system in the Fraser River Presentation Theatre (which experienced a few minor hiccups!). The meeting covered a wide range of topics, from infrastructure planning and community development to social initiatives and park improvements, with Council actively working to advance key projects and discussions.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on accelerating infrastructure and development processes. Council unanimously voted to adopt an alternative motion for the 16 Avenue Corridor and Intersections Update (E6), allocating $198,000 from ROWDCCs and the Capital Projects Reserve to begin the study in 2025, rather than waiting for the 2026-2030 Financial Plan. This move aims to fast-track improvements for this critical transportation corridor. Similarly, alternative motions were passed for Noel Booth Parking, Fieldhouse and Recreation Improvements (E7) and Aldergrove Athletic Park Sport Improvements (E8), approving $250,000 each from the Capital Projects Reserve to commence detailed design and technical analysis in 2025. This allows for potential construction options to be considered as early as 2026. These decisions reflect a proactive approach to addressing community needs for facilities and transportation, supported by a healthy financial report (M3) showing record DCC revenue in the first half of 2025.

Development applications also saw movement, particularly in the Willoughby area. Official Community Plan Amendment and Rezoning Application No. 100302 (F2) and No. 100291 (F3), both facilitating approximately 83 townhouses, received first and second readings, and will now proceed to public hearings. These applications include significant voluntary amenity contributions of $2,415,200 and $2,095,200, respectively, and outline conditions for road upgrades, tree management, and environmental protection. There was some vocal disagreement from Councillor Richter regarding the extent of tree retention for these projects, specifically questioning the number of significant trees being saved compared to the total on site. Council also unanimously deferred consideration of Pre-zoning Options Along 200 Street Corridor (E11) to November 3rd, while endorsing the timeline for the broader Official Community Plan Update (E12).

A notable discussion, particularly for a "people-centred community," involved Building Permit Conditions for 21020 76 Avenue (The Board of Education of School District No. 35) (E13). Council debated conditions related to access for a new high school and middle school. While the original staff recommendation included two conditions, Council ultimately voted to approve only a modified version of condition 'a', which limits access from 76 Avenue to right-in/left-out movements. A proposed amendment by Mayor Woodward to remove the requirement for "physical traffic control devices" from this condition also passed, albeit with Councillor Bailey, Councillor Martens, and Councillor Pratt opposed due to safety concerns. Councillor Richter then successfully moved a subsequent motion for staff to fast-track these building permits, despite staff indicating they were already doing so, highlighting Council's strong desire to ensure the schools open on schedule by September 2027 for the 2,800 students expected.

Other important decisions included endorsing the preliminary concept for Smithview Park at Jericho Reservoir (E4), but referring it to staff for public consultation, with Councillor Richter questioning the novelty and cost implications of such a park. The World Cup 2026 Viewing Events (E3) recommendation passed, directing staff to explore securing public viewing rights, with an additional motion passed to gather more details on potential LED video display upgrades/replacements. The Rainbow Crosswalk Maintenance Funding and Commitments (O2) motion from Councillor Bailey, which generated significant discussion and an initial point of order regarding division, ultimately passed unanimously in three separate parts: unequivocally affirming support, committing $25,000 annually for maintenance (minimum four times a year), and directing staff to consult with stakeholders like Langley Pride Society on preferred designs. This demonstrated a strong, unified commitment to the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Council also approved a motion to install a plaque in the renovated Presentation Theatre in recognition of Zosia Ettenberg's lasting contributions to accessibility (O3) and directed staff to assess tennis court utilization and capacity (O4). Finally, Councillor Pratt's motion for a plan for Aldergrove's Kinsmen Heritage Park (O5), including public and stakeholder consultation, was unanimously carried.

Overall, the meeting showcased Council's dedication to moving forward with key infrastructure projects, facilitating much-needed housing, and actively addressing community concerns and social initiatives. The emphasis on accelerating processes and ensuring community engagement, even amid technical adjustments, signals a busy and productive period ahead for the Township of Langley.

Hello Strong Towns Langley members!

Here's a summary of the Regular Township Council Meeting held on Monday, July 21, 2025. The meeting saw some lively discussions and significant decisions, especially concerning land use, development, and community infrastructure.

The meeting began with the adoption of the agenda, which notably saw the withdrawal of the delegation for C1 regarding a tree penalty. Councillors also removed two notices of motion from the agenda: P7 concerning crosswalks in Fort Langley and P10 about Christmas at the Langley Event Centre. Councillor Baillie made a strong statement regarding the removal of the Fort Langley crosswalk motion, referencing "irrational" and "insulting" public feedback, but thanked those who provided rational discussion. Later, a delegation from Marvin and Carolyn JansenVanDoorn formally opposed Temporary Use Permit Application No. 000015 for truck parking, citing concerns about environmental impact on Trigg Creek, traffic safety, potential for permanent use, nighttime idling, and the applicant's compliance history at another site. They also highlighted the property's rural zoning and proximity to residential wells and septic systems.

Several key reports to Council shaped the future of development and financial resilience. Council decided to defer the Infrastructure Renewal Program and Policy (E1) to a September 15th meeting for further review. The Official Community Plan Update (E2) received significant direction: Council endorsed the draft vision for an updated Willoughby Community Plan, consolidating five neighbourhood plans in the western portion into a transit-oriented corridor. Crucially, Council directed staff to examine townhouse development as an alternative to small-scale multi-unit housing, use provincial transit-oriented area definitions (Category 2 – Tiers 4 and 5) for planning around future bus rapid transit stations on 200 Street, and establish the Willoughby Community Plan's southern boundary at 68 Avenue. Further amendments were made to consider the province's transit-oriented definition with support for a wider range of housing options and lower minimum densities, and to identify potential school and park sites before designating too much density. Staff were also directed to explore a mixed use of employment lands on the 200 Street corridor, including housing and non-industrial uses. The balance of the report was received for future consideration, not endorsed.

Regarding specific capital projects, Council directed staff to include $310,000 in the draft 2026–2030 Financial Plan for the design of the 200A Street and 80A Avenue Roadworks (E3). For the Fort Langley Cenotaph Restoration (E4), Council split the recommendation, approving $2,000 for an interim decorative barrier immediately, and deferring the $17,500 for restoration efforts until after consultation with the Heritage Advisory Committee. An additional $63,000 was approved for Portable Event Seating (E5) to cover Canadian government counter-tariffs, with staff directed to investigate reimbursement options. Several park improvement projects also moved forward: Fort Langley Community Park Improvements (E6) received authorization for detailed design with $150,000 from a split of Park DCC and Capital Projects Reserve funds. Willoughby Community Park (E7) saw funding re-established for bocce court covers and site improvements. Yorkson Community Park South Improvements (E8) secured funding for detailed design and demolition of the caretaker's house, with public consultation planned for fall 2025. Noel Booth Community Park Improvements (E9) included allocating remaining approved funding for enhancements and approving $1.0M for playground improvements from the Brookswood-Fernridge Community Plan Community Amenity Contribution (BFCAC) fund. An amendment was added to get an additional report on a second phase of improvements, including parking, fieldhouse/washroom replacement, and septic field relocation.

Contentious debates arose on several development applications. Despite strong opposition from local residents and some councillors (Kunst, Richter, Martins) citing concerns over environmental impact, traffic, and rural incompatibility, Council approved the Temporary Use Permit Application No. 000015 (E10) for commercial vehicle parking at 23305 Old Yale Road. A motion to refer this item for further staff information on resident protection measures (setbacks, water contamination) failed to pass. Council also authorized the Development Variance Permit Application No. 100195 (E12) for School District No. 35, reducing required parking for a new secondary/middle school and daycare, subject to amendments that the proponent limit access from 76 Avenue and secure access to half of their parking lot through Township land, ensuring intersection functionality. This motion carried despite concerns about traffic safety and the school board's reliance on Township infrastructure.

New bylaws passed included giving first reading to the Amenity Cost Charges Bylaw No. 6115 (F1), establishing a new framework for funding growth, with a public information session planned. Bylaw No. 6147, allowing secondary suites in ground-oriented housing and lock-off units in apartment buildings, received all readings and was adopted (H1 & J3), aiming to increase housing diversity. Final adoption was also given to a Housing Agreement (J1) to secure rental and affordable units at 7883 - 199 Street, and a Rezoning Application (J2) for Fort Langley Properties Ltd. to increase residential density on Glover Road.

In other business, Mayor Woodward introduced several motions that carried unanimously or with limited opposition. These included staff reports on 16 Avenue Corridor Safety Improvements (P1) and Additional Major Road Projects (P2), the latter receiving amendments from Councillor Pratt to add further road segments for consideration. Funding was approved for Walnut Grove Community Park Tennis Courts (P3) resurfacing, and a staff report was requested on options for 2026 World Cup Community Watch Events (P4). Council endorsed adding SASSY Awards (P5) Reception Sponsorship to the Community Grant Program. A report was directed on a new Ponder Park plan (P6). A motion by Councillor Baillie to review the Township of Langley Spirit Stage (P8) fees, with an amendment to allow up to 50% cuts from council contingency, also carried. Councillor Pratt successfully moved to forgo a ballot process for Traffic Calming at 213 Street and 91 Avenue (P9), authorizing immediate speed cushion installation and a report on further improvements. A motion to implement Time-Limited Parking Along Willoughby Town Centre Drive (P11) and rescind a broader parking policy carried unanimously after a motion to divide it failed. Finally, a motion to confirm the open designation of School and Park Sites in Brookswood-Fernridge (P12) for development purposes and request staff to report on bylaw amendments carried, after a referral to the school board for input failed.

The meeting also saw heated discussions during the Mayor and Council Report. Councillor Kunst announced that she and Councillor Martins would attend the UBCM conference at their own expense after not being approved for funding. Councillor Richter then moved that all interested women councillors be allowed to attend UBCM at public expense. This motion was ruled out of order by Mayor Woodward, leading to a challenge of the chair, which ultimately failed. The debate continued with accusations of sexism and potential code of conduct violations, indicating a clear division among council members on this issue. A referral motion by Councillor Martins regarding a Trinity Western University football field partnership also failed to pass.