Hello Strong Towns Langley members! Here's a summary of the most recent Township of Langley council meeting, focusing on decisions and discussions relevant to building a financially resilient and people-centred community. The meeting kicked off with the adoption of the agenda and previous minutes, both carried unanimously. A highlight was the delegation from the Little Campbell Watershed Society, expressing gratitude for the new Fern Ridge Nature Park. They emphasized its ecological importance, diverse wildlife, and role in water conservation, calling it a significant step for the community's environmental future. Council then moved to environmental and park-related items. For the **Fern Ridge Nature Park Concept Update (E1)**, two amendments were moved and passed unanimously: first, to confirm and include a potential trail connection to 196th Street; and second, to include a 2.5-acre parcel at 19757 24th Avenue within the park boundaries, specifically to protect the Little Campbell River. Council also heard that staff are actively looking into locations for a cell tower in the area due to poor coverage. The full recommendation for E1, as amended, carried unanimously. The **Nathan Creek Wetlands Park Update (E2)**, a restoration proposal to rehabilitate degraded habitat, also carried unanimously. During the **Tree Planting and Canopy Expansion Update (E3)**, the ongoing commitment to the Community Forest Management Strategy was reaffirmed, with staff confirming plans to continue urban and rural planting, including a new policy in neighbourhood plans to exceed federal/provincial stream-side protection requirements. This motion also carried unanimously. Regarding development and infrastructure, the **2026 Special Transit-Related Road Infrastructure Program Grant Application (E4)** for new bus service in Gloucester, including accessible concrete landing pads, was approved unanimously. A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to **Bylaws for First and Second Reading for Community and Neighbourhood Plan Updates (F1)** for Willoughby and Gordon. Councillor Pratt moved a series of amendments, all of which carried unanimously: * **Willoughby Community Plan (Bylaw 6201):** Reduced base building heights for High, Medium Density Employment, and Medium Density Mixed Use to 6 storeys, and added the interim Community Amenity Contribution (CAC) policy as a financing option. * **Willoughby Transit Corridor Plan (Bylaw 6202):** Similarly reduced base building heights, removed base densities for certain sections, and introduced specific land-use map changes for a more gradual transition from single-family homes to higher densities. A new "High Street" was introduced along the future 201 Street south of the Langley Event Centre, and language around urban school sites was updated to reflect potential future locations. * **Gordon Neighbourhood Plan (Bylaw 6203):** Increased the density allowance for Row House/Townhouse/Live/Work units from 22 to 24 units per acre in several areas, designated 6790 208 Street as a park, and changed on-street parking designations on 208 Street and 72nd Avenue from 'no' to 'maybe' to allow for future consideration. An amendment to increase the maximum commercial unit size for non-restaurant/cafe uses from 1,000 to 1,500 square feet was also passed, acknowledging the need for flexibility for various businesses. All these amendments will be incorporated into the bylaws before they proceed to a public hearing on June 15th. A contentious discussion occurred during the **Housing Agreement Bylaw 6222 (G1)**, related to a BC Builds project. Councillors questioned the province's ability to change unit use in the future, the difference in below-market rates compared to other projects, and safeguards for the "missing middle" housing. Mayor Woodward specifically stated that Councillor Martens (and Councillor Richter) had voted against forming the Langley Housing Trust, a point Martens disputed. Despite this, the motion to approve the housing agreement bylaw carried unanimously. Finally, council addressed several other items. A notice of motion for the **Murrayville Cenotaph (N1)** was referred to staff for review and information, specifically to assess the appropriateness of sealing and monitoring it. Two notices of motion regarding road improvements, **Finishing Moore of 80th Avenue (O1)** and studying the **Intersection of 28th and 204th Avenue (O2)**, both passed unanimously, with the O2 motion being amended to also consider the intersection of 28th and 200th Street. The meeting concluded with a motion to move to a closed session.