January 13 Council Meeting: TransLink and City signing SkyTrain extension memo of understanding

Yesterday, I posted about Monday night’s public hearing and council meeting in relationship to the proposed redevelopment of the Langley Lions Housing complex that borders Langley Mall, 203rd Street, 54th Avenue, and 204th Street. Today, I will be posting about the remaining items that were covered that night.

Building SkyTrain to Langley is getting closer to becoming a reality. Mayor van den Broek announced that the City and TransLink will be signing a memo of understanding regarding building SkyTrain to our community.

This document outlines TransLink’s responsibilities, the City’s responsibilities, and our joint responsibilities to ensure the success of the project. This includes what measures the City’s is putting in place to support this massive SkyTrain investment.

One of the ways that the City is supporting extending SkyTrain to Langley is by working towards updating our Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw which will help build a walkable, bikeable, and transit-first community.

This memo of understanding is critical as it shows that TransLink, the Mayors’ Council, and Langley City are committed to getting this project built. This is important as the Mayors’ Council is currently working to secure funding from both the federal and provincial governments for this project.

Back in December, council gave first and second reading for a rezoning bylaw that would enable the construction of a proposed 114 apartment unit, 2,085 square feet of ground-level retail, 6-storey, mixed-use building that will front Logan Avenue, 203 A Street, and Locke Lane near the casino. At Monday night’s public hearing, people were given the opportunity to provide feedback on the rezoning bylaw and proposed building.

Logan Avenue Mixed-Used Project. Top-down view from Locke Lane. Select image to enlarge.

One person who attended the public hearing was interested in knowing the exact location of the project which was provided.

Back in February 2019, council gave third reading for a rezoning bylaw to enable building a proposed apartment complex located at 5470, 5480, 5490, 5500, 5510 199A Street (Brydon Crescent Area.) Council gave final reading to that bylaw on Monday and approved issuing a development permit.

Renders of proposed apartment project at 5470, 5480, 5490, 5500, 5510 199A Street. Select image to enlarge.

Sometimes, there can be significant gaps between a rezoning bylaw receiving third reading and it being finally adopted. One reason why this happens is due to the proponent delaying a project. Another reason why this happens is because City staff must be satisfied that a proposed project can meet the conditions of the rezoning bylaw and development permit. There can be some back and forth to get to that point.

Council also received year-end reports from the Community Day Committee, Youth Committee, and Magic of Christmas Parade Committee which can be view by following the links.