City of Langley updates Strategic Investment Plan

Because of revenue from the casino, the City of Langley has been able to invest in major infrastructure projects over the last decade.

For example, the City of Langley has contributed $8.3 million towards the 192nd Street/54th Avenue/196th Street overpass project, $8.45 million towards the 204th Street overpass, $8.4 million towards the Fraser Highway Bridge, and $14.3 million for the Timms Community Centre. This is in addition to other major capital projects such as repaving roads, replacing water and sewer lines, and upgrade park equipment.

With these “marquee” project complete, the City of Langley is updating its 5-year Strategic Investment Plan. The following is a list of projects that are included in the updated plan:

• Trail System Improvement & Expansion: $500,000
• Bicycle Facilities Improvement & Expansion: $800,000
• Pedestrian Facilities Improvement & Expansion: $1,500,000
• Langley Bypass Culvert Replacement/Logan Creek: $1,000,000
• Fraser Highway Watermain Replacement Project: $1,150,000
• 56th Avenue Reconstruction Project: $1,900,000
• Douglas Crescent Reconstruction Project: $1,968,000
• Production Way Road Improvement: $3,200,000
• 200th Street Reconstruction Project: $3,952,000
• Grade Crescent Reconstruction Project: $5,786,000
• Linwood Park Improvements: $650,000
• Brydon Park Improvements: $600,000
• Rotary Centennial Park Improvements: $680,000
• Penzer Park Sports Field, Playground & Youth Amenities: $800,000
• Buckley Park Improvements: $1,200,000
• City Park Improvements & Artificial Turf: $2,400,000

I’m happy to see that most of these projects are about ensuring that core infrastructure remains in a good state of repair. Over the coming decade, much of our hidden infrastructure, such as water and sewer lines, will need to be replaced as it is reaching end-of-life. This is reflected in the plan.

I’m also happy to see that the City is working on expanding its active transportation network, including the trail system; getting back to the basics.

One of the things that I’m not keen on is the $2.4 million that has been allocated for City Park which includes a new artificial turf. I believe that our community does not need an expensive artificial field, and that the money could be used to further enhance our trail network and other aspects of our parks system.

The Strategic Investment Program is rolling plan, so it can be updated more frequently than every five years. This plan is certainly going in the right direction, and will help support a good quality of life for City residents.