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.