August 23, 2018 Council Meeting Notes: Craft Brewery proposal for Downtown Langley plus other redevelopment proposals west of 200th Street

Over the last year, redevelopment in our community has increased significantly. Langley City council does not normally meet in August, but due to the number of development applications, a special public council meeting was held last night.

There were four zoning bylaw amendments that were given first and second reading. This will allow for a public hearing to be scheduled.

The first zoning bylaw and development permit was for a 127-unit, 4-story apartment located along Brydon Crescent. One of the significant features of the redevelopment is a pedestrian connection proposed between Brydon Crescent, over Baldi Creek, to the trail network. This will be via an 8m wide fire lane, connected to a 3m wide pedestrian walkway and bridge. This will provide much needed walking connectivity if approved.

5423, 5433, 19900, 19910, 19920, and 19930 Brydon Crescent including pedestrian access marked in red. Select image to enlarge.

5423, 5433, 19900, 19910, 19920, and 19930 Brydon Crescent rendering. Select image to enlarge.

The second zoning bylaw and development permit was for a 3-storey, 41-unit townhouse development at the end of 55A Avenue, near 196 Street. This proposal will see a public lane extended to the east side of the proposed project. This will enable at least two points of access for all the townhouse developments on the south side of 55A Avenue if approved. This will help with traffic flow.

19610, 19618-26, 19630-32, 19638, and 19648-50 55A Avenue rendering. Select image to enlarge.

19610, 19618-26, 19630-32, 19638, and 19648-50 55A Avenue site plan. Select image to enlarge.

One of the keys to creating a vibrant downtown is to ensure that there is a variety of shops and services that are busy throughout the day. Craft brewery tasting rooms have become a significant draw, becoming a part of community identity where they are located. For example, there is a brewery row in Port Moody that has become a regional destination.

I’ve heard from many people expressing that there are limited evening activity options in our downtown.

The third zoning bylaw was for Farm Country Brewing to establish a craft brewery and tasting room in the Highland Village Shopping Centre at 56 Avenue and Logan Avenue. The proposal includes an 80-seat tasting room, and 20 seats of outdoor patio space. It is proposed to be open between 12pm and 9pm Sunday thru Wednesday, and 12pm to 11pm Thursday thru Saturday.

Rendering of proposed craft brewery located at 20555 56th Avenue. Select image to enlarge.

Site plan for craft brewery located at 20555 56th Avenue. Select image to enlarge.

The fourth zoning bylaw and development permit was for a 5-story, 78-unit apartment located at Brydon Crescent near 55A Avenue.

Located of 5493, 5483, and 5475 Brydon Crescent. Select image to enlarge.

Renders of development proposal at 5493, 5483, and 5475 Brydon Crescent. Select image to enlarge.

Council gave first, second, and third reading to update our Chauffeur Permit and Regulation Bylaw which regulates taxi drivers. This was a housekeeping matter with the most significant changing being increasing the potential renewal period of the chauffeur permit from one year to up to two years.

Council also gave first, second, and third reading to change the definition of a “heavy truck” in our Highway and Traffic Regulation Bylaw from 10,000kg to 11,794kg to bring it inline with other municipalities in our region.

Finally, Council approved a request to conduct door-to-door canvassing for Plan International Canada.