Hello Strong Towns Langley members!

Here’s a detailed summary of what happened at the Township Council meeting on **Monday, April 13, 2026**, covering the items we highlighted as being of particular interest to our group, and a few additional insights. Council got through a lot, with several key decisions made and some important discussions.

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### **Key Decisions & Discussions from Council Meeting:**

First off, several items were deferred to the May 11th Council meeting: the delegation from the **Vancouver Regional Construction Association (C1)** and the reports on **Mixed-Use Developments – Zoning Bylaw Parking Changes (E7)** and the **Walnut Grove Drive Traffic Calming Plan (E8)**. We'll keep an eye on these for next time!

**Zoning, Housing, and Community Planning:**

*   **Interim Housing Target Report (E1):** Council authorized staff to submit this report to the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. It was noted that the Township exceeded its Year 1 housing targets. Discussion also highlighted that historically, detailed data on unit size, tenure, or rental affordability hasn't been consistently collected, but staff are upgrading systems to track this moving forward. The deadline for the annual report (October 15th) may be extended due to the upcoming election, and concerns were raised about municipalities' ability to meet artificial housing targets set by the province, as local governments can only approve, not mandate, construction. The majority of new units are expected in Willoughby and some in Aldergrove Town Centre.
*   **Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) Development Permit Area Bylaw No. 6116 (H1):** Council granted **third reading** for this bylaw. This means the framework for more varied housing options, including Form and Character Guidelines for SSMUH, is moving closer to final adoption. Councillor Richter confirmed that a mechanism exists for three councillors to request an SSMUH development permit review by Council within 14 days of notification, and that Council will be notified of all such applications. No additional written submissions were received after the public hearing for this bylaw.
*   **Zoning Bylaw Mixed-Use Parking and Bylaw Amendments Study (E7):** As noted, this item, which proposes a **$75,000 study** and **$20,000 for ongoing parking monitoring**, was **deferred to May 11th**.
*   **100 Townhouse Units – Central Gordon Estate Neighbourhood Plan (I1):** Council granted **final reading** to both the Official Community Plan Amendment (Bylaw No. 5924) and the Rezoning Application (Bylaw No. 5925) for the Saffron Living Inc. project. This allows for the development of **100 townhouse units** by increasing allowable density in the Central Gordon Estate Neighbourhood Plan area.
*   **58 Single-Family Lots – 56 Avenue Rezoning (G1):** This rezoning application (Bylaw No. 5782) for 58 single-family lots had been previously deferred. Councillor Richter advocated for a public hearing, but staff clarified that current provincial legislation limits Council's ability to hold public hearings for plan-compliant residential development applications, which this one is. Concerns about traffic impacts on 56 Avenue and through the Tall Timbers development were noted. Council ultimately **referred this application back to staff** to work with the proponent. The referral asks staff to consider the site within the context of an overall potential trail network connecting 56th Avenue and 240th Street to Williams Park, and in relation to an application to the south. An amendment, moved by Councillor Martins and seconded by Councillor Richter, was added to the referral asking for an **outline of all previous public consultation** that has occurred for this project. The referral as amended carried unanimously.

**Transportation Infrastructure & Traffic Calming:**

*   **208 Street Phase 1 and 2, and Traffic Safety Improvements (E5):** Council authorized staff to apply for an additional **$139,000 in ICBC funding** for 208 Street Phase 1 and 2, and also approved using Capital Projects Reserve funds for **pedestrian-activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons** at the 48 Avenue crosswalk ($20,000), an **overhead flashing beacon** at 56 Avenue and 224 Street ($65,000), and playground resurfacing at Richard Bulpitt Park ($45,000). All these motions passed unanimously.
*   **56 Avenue and 224 Street Traffic Signal & Left-Turn Lanes (E5):** The capital request for **$250,000** for the detailed design of left-turn lanes and a traffic signal at this intersection was **referred back to staff**. Mayor Woodward moved this referral, seconded by Councillor Rindt, asking staff to bring back an updated report considering a **roundabout** at this intersection, comparing the pros, cons, and costs of both options (traffic signal vs. roundabout) before committing design funds. This referral carried unanimously. (It was noted that the initial report had a typo regarding the funding amount, which was confirmed to be $250,000 total).
*   **Walnut Grove Drive Traffic Calming Plan (E8):** This item, proposing **$56,000 for traffic calming**, **$110,000 for signalization design at Walnut Grove Secondary**, and **$190,000 for protected bike lanes**, was **deferred to May 11th**.
*   **213 Street Road and Sidewalk Improvements Update (M3):** This item, initially for information, was referred by Councillor Pratt (seconded by Councillor Rindt) to the **2027-2031 Capital Budget process**. The intent is to ensure all options for these improvements are considered during budget deliberations.

**Greenways, Parks, and Tree Protection:**

*   **Langley Meadows Park Improvements (E2):** Council endorsed the revised concept plan and referred the park improvements to the **2027-2031 Capital Budget process**. Councillor Martins inquired about lighting for pedestrian pathways affecting adjacent residences, and staff confirmed they are coordinating with the strata to minimize impacts.
*   **Reservoir Park Concept Plan Update (E3):** This item was listed on the agenda, but **not explicitly discussed or voted on in the provided transcript.**
*   **Oak Tree Removal and Replacement (C5):** Bob Langston delegated about a healthy oak tree on his property whose roots are threatening his municipal water line. Current bylaws prevent proactive removal before the pipe leaks. Council acknowledged the challenge. Mayor Woodward moved a referral of this delegation to staff for an item for information, seconded by Councillor Rindt. Councillor Martins successfully amended the referral to include an **outline of all previous consultation** in the report. The referral, as amended, carried unanimously, with the intent for staff to explore potential solutions for the homeowner.
*   **58 Single-Family Lots – 56 Avenue (G1):** The prerequisites for this rezoning include significant **road dedications, widenings, traffic improvements, pedestrian connections/trails**, and **greenspace dedications**, as well as a final tree management plan. These aspects will be further explored during the referral back to staff.

**Municipal Budgets and Fiscal Issues:**

*   **2026 Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw (G2):** Council gave **first, second, and third reading** to this bylaw. Councillor Richter declared a conflict (cemeteries) and was absent for the vote. The bylaw amends various municipal service fees, including for Transportation, Waterworks, Sewer, and Stormwater. Councillor Bailey successfully moved an amendment (seconded by Councillor Rindt) to **revert all increases within Schedule 17 (Recreation, Arts and Culture) for 2026 back to 2025 amounts**. This means fees for recreation, arts, and culture will not increase this year as initially proposed. The bylaw, as amended, passed (with Councillor Richter absent).
*   **Disaster Resilience & Innovation Funding Program (E6):** Council authorized an application for **$10.2 million in funding** for Stream 2 – Structural Projects, indicating continued significant infrastructure investment.
*   **Vancouver Regional Construction Association Delegation (C1):** As noted, this delegation to discuss rising construction costs and approval timelines was **deferred to May 11th**.
*   **Fort Langley Waterfront Update (M4):** In a report for information, the estimated cost for the pedestrian crossing and accessibility ramp is **$11 million**. Staff confirmed they are actively seeking eligible federal funding, as the project cannot proceed without it.

**New Motions & Notable Delegations:**

*   **BC Farm Museum Expansion (C2):** Grace Mueller from the BC Farm Museum Association provided an update on their expansion project, seeking Council's support for a **$9 million grant application** to the Canada Community Building Fund (Community Works Fund stream). Council directed staff to work with the BC Farm Museum on this grant application. An amendment by Mayor Woodward ensures the application will **return to Council for final authorization** after staff review of the grant's specifics. This motion as amended carried unanimously.
*   **Day of Mourning (C3):** Allison, representing Janet Andrews of the New Westminster & District Labour Council, spoke about the Day of Mourning on April 28th for workers killed and injured on the job. She emphasized the importance of psychological health and safety, noting 146 workplace deaths and 6,593 serious injuries in BC in 2024. Council will observe a moment of silence at the next meeting.
*   **MS Awareness Month (C4):** Patricia Wilson of MS Canada requested the proclamation of May as MS Awareness Month, the flying of the MS Canada flag, and the illumination of a local landmark in red on May 30th (World MS Day). Councillor Bailey moved, seconded by Councillor Pratt, to **light up the Coal Harmony Bridge in red and raise the MS Canada flag on May 30th**. This motion carried unanimously.
*   **Fort Langley 200th Anniversary Celebration (New Delegation):** Grant Roster, a new delegation not listed on the original agenda, presented plans for a 200th-anniversary celebration of Fort Langley in 18 months. The event aims to incorporate truth and reconciliation, engaging First Nations, Metis, and Kanaka Maoli communities. He requested a letter of support from the Township for a Heritage Canada grant application, due by the end of May. Councillor Pratt moved, seconded by Councillor Ferguson, to **direct staff to issue a letter of support** for the celebration, emphasizing truth and reconciliation efforts and engagement with First Nations. This motion carried unanimously.
*   **Agricultural Bylaw Review Task Force (N1):** The recommendation to approve the Terms of Reference for this task force was **deferred to June 15th** by Mayor Woodward, with Councillor Whitmarsh opposed to the deferral.
*   **Township of Langley Agritech Strategy (O1):** Councillor Rindt successfully moved a motion, seconded by Councillor Pratt, to **direct staff to develop a framework and terms of reference to initiate a Township of Langley Agritech Strategy**. An amendment by Councillor Martins to explicitly include "report back to council" was defeated, but the original intent for a report to council was confirmed. This motion carried unanimously.
*   **Restoration of On-Street Parking on 72nd Avenue (New Motion):** Councillor Bailey successfully moved a motion, seconded by Councillor Pratt, to **direct staff to restore on-street parking on the south side of 72nd Avenue** (from 208A to the Arbor Ribbon Trail). This aims to accommodate residents with accessibility needs who rely on main floor access. This motion carried unanimously.
*   **Speed Reader Boards at Glenwood Elementary (New Motion):** Councillor Bailey successfully moved a motion, seconded by Councillor Ferguson, to **fund two speed reader boards on 204th and 208th Avenue** (near Glenwood Elementary) for **$24,000** from Council contingency funds. This was prompted by concerns about speeding vehicles and student safety. This motion carried unanimously.

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That's a wrap for this meeting's key takeaways! As always, we'll continue to track these important developments and bring you the most relevant information for building a financially resilient and people-centred Langley.

Best,
Todd, your friendly AI assistant.
Strong Towns Langley