February 22 Council Meeting: New Development, Poverty Reduction, Community Grants Awarded

From mid-January to mid-February, Langley City hosted a virtual event called “Celebrating Arts & Culture.” Kim Hilton, the Director of Recreation, Culture & Community Services, presented statistics to City Council about the event’s success. There were 743 unique views of the virtual gallery.

On Monday afternoon, Council approved a bylaw to enable the development of a 5-storey, 18-unit apartment at 20172 53A Avenue. Council also approved issuing a development permit. I confirmed with City staff that the City will be adding an on-street loading zone for the apartment.

Council approved applying for the UBCM Poverty Reduction Planning and Action grant. Township of Langley Council approved applying for this grant as well. UBCM could award the Township and City a total of $50,000 to create a joint Poverty Reduction Strategy for Langley.

Council also awarded $114,076.29 in Community Grants as follows:

Recipient	Amount
Bard in the Valley	$14948.19
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley	$4000.00
Boys and Girls Club of Langley	$3000.00
Children of the Street Society – PLEA Community Services	$1000.00
DLBA – Arts Alive Festival	$10000.00
Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives (CJI)	$2000.00
Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards	$1000.00
HD Stafford Middle School PAC	$3500.00
KidsSport Langley	$2500.00
Langley 4H District Council	$150.00
Langley Amateur Radio Association	$800.00
Langley Animal Protection Society	$5000.00
Langley Care Foundation – Langley Lodge	$2500.00
Langley Children’s Committee	$2000.00
Langley Flippers Swim Club	$2100.00
Langley Food Bank	$4168.00
Langley Fundamental Dry Grad	$500.00
Langley Lawn Bowling Club	$2000.00
Langley Literacy Association	$2500.00
Langley Meals on Wheels	$5000.00
Langley Mustangs Track Club	$4737.50
Langley Pos-Abilities Society	$2500.00
Langley Rotary Clubs – RibFest Langley	$2500.00
Langley Scholarship Committee	$4500.00
Langley Senior Resources Society	$15000.00
Langley Volunteer Bureau	$1250.00
Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society	$3500.00
Pitch-In Canada	$425.00
Silver Diamond Country Dancers Association	$1000.00
Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association	$3497.60
Vancouver Youth Arts – Formerly KPU International Music Fest	$5500.00
Youth Parliament	$1000.00

Council approves 2021 budget, moves forward with $7.5 million investment plan to support SkyTrain.

On Monday afternoon, Langley City council approved the 2021-25 Financial Plan. Langley City’s operating budget is $48.3 million, while the capital budget is $18.8 million. The capital budget funds projects such as upgrading water/sewer lines and renewing parks. As part of this year’s capital budget, council also allocated $7.5 million for strategic property acquisition.

A combination of property tax, developer contributions, casino revenue, and grants from TransLink, the province, and the federal government funds the capital budget. In BC, municipalities can also use debt to fund capital projects.

In 2020, council was ready to kick off the $50 million Nexus of Community Plan. This 5-year plan was to be funded by a loan. The City would invest $31 million for strategic property acquisition to support SkyTrain and facilitate redevelopment to maximize value for residents and businesses.

COVID-19 hit as this investment plan was working its way through the approval process. Council decided to put this plan on pause. This year, council is proposing to moving forward with a scaled-back $7.5 million strategic property acquisition plan to support SkyTrain to Langley.

Council is proposing to fund this scale-back plan with a 15-year loan. The repayment of this loan required a one-time 1.93% increase in property tax this year. No further increases in property tax to support this loan are required.

As per BC law, council will be going through an Alternative Approval Process for the loan. During this process, a person eligible to vote in a local election will have an opportunity to express support or opposition to the $7.5 million loan. If an eligible voter supports the loan, they do not need to take action. If they are opposed to the loan, they must complete an Elector Response Form. This form will be available at Timms Community Centre and on the City’s website. A completed form can be dropped off or emailed to the City. If 10% of eligible voters oppose the loan, it will have to go to a binding city-wide referendum.

The Alternative Approval Process has strict guidelines, including advertising and the Elector Response Form submission timelines. All eligible voters will have the time and opportunity to participate.

Council formally rescinded the $50 million Nexus of Community Investment Plan and approved the $7.5 million Investment Plan on Monday. The provincial Inspector of Municipalities must now approve this $7.5 million plan. If approved, the Alternative Approval Process will begin.

Fraser Health looking to locate an Overdose Prevention Site in Langley

Yesterday afternoon, Fraser Health staff presented some sombre statistics to Langley City council on overdose deaths in BC and our community. Since 2015, the number of people dying due to the increased toxicity of illicit drugs has grown exponentially. In 2019, the number of people dying decreased for the first time. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic caused 2020 to see the highest number of deaths due to drug overdoses. Fraser Health staff stated an interruption of health services and change in the mix of illicit drugs available due to the pandemic caused an increase in deaths.

Around 1,700 people in BC died due to illicit drug overdoses in 2020. In Langley City and Township, 77 people died. As a comparison to-date, about 1,300 people died in BC due to COVID-19.

Overdose deaths in BC 1994 to 2020. Select image to enlarge.

Overdose deaths in Langley 2019 and 2020. Select image to enlarge.

In the Fraser Health region, around 70% of overdose deaths occur in private residences, 16% in other indoor locations such as restaurants, and 13% outside.

As a result, Fraser Health is looking to partner with a service provider to open an Overdose Prevention Site in Langley. Staff from Fraser Health stated that they wanted to place the site in a part of Langley with a high drug overdose death rate.

An Overdose Prevention Site and a Supervised Consumption Site provide the same services. The difference being that an Overdose Prevention Site is provincially regulated while a Supervised Consumption Site is federally regulated.

Overdose Prevention Site services include:

• Distribution of supplies for safer injection
• Education on safe injection technique and infection prevention
• Overdose prevention and intervention
• Medical and counselling services
• Referrals to substance use treatment
• Connection to housing and other support services
• Drug-checking

Several council members expressed concern about placing an Overdose Prevention Site in Langley City, noting that it could cause a negative impact on the surrounding neighbourhood. Some members of council also asked Fraser Health if they would consider mobile overdose prevention services. Council asked many questions about Overdose Prevention Sites to Fraser Health staff, who agreed to get back to council with answers.

At the council meeting, I told a personal story about my father’s use of illicit drugs and later abuse of prescription medication. I stated that he got help at a methadone clinic which helped save him and our family.

I talked about my experience working at a TV station and software company located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. I stated that I’d seen firsthand the positive impacts that a Supervised Consumption Site can have in a neighbourhood, such as reducing people using drugs around businesses.

I asked Fraser Health that if they placed an Overdose Prevention Site in Langley City, they do it in a way that uplifts its clients and surrounding neighbourhood. I also asked that they design the site so that someone like my dad would feel comfortable assessing it.

I know firsthand that there is a lot of shame around drug addiction. Many people don’t want to be seen going into a street-front Overdose Prevention Site. When my dad accessed methadone treatment, he did so at a second-floor clinic.

I told Fraser Health staff that Langley City’s draft Official Community Plan encourages active-uses for ground-floor commercial unit. Active-uses include retail shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Offical Community Plan encourages personal services and offices in second-floor or higher units.

I asked Fraser Health staff to work with the City if they decide to open an Overdose Prevention Site in our community. The design and location of an Overdose Prevention Site are essential. The right design and location will help reduce the fear of accessing it and provide a dignified experience for clients. It can uplift the surrounding neighbourhood and support the City’s goal of creating an active retail core with a good design and location.

January Langley City Property Crime Map. Crime Prevention Tips.

The Langley Detachment of the RCMP released the January 2021 property crime map for Langley City, which I have shared below.

Langley City Property Crime Map, January 2021. Select map to enlarge.

I have a few observations. About 2/3rd of Langley City’s population and all purpose-built commercial and industrial buildings are located north of the Nicomekl River. These reasons are why the top of the map will always show more criminal activity. Just because the map shows more criminal activity, it doesn’t mean that you have a higher chance of being victimized by crime north of the Nicomekl River. To get the crime rate, you divide the number of crimes committed by the number of people in an area.

Areas with a higher density of Block Watches seem to have less property crime. Block Watch neighbourhoods can also include townhouses and apartments.

You can learn more about Block Watch by visiting their site. If you want more information about forming a Block Watch in your neighbourhood, contact:
Florence Fowler
Phone: 604-532-3213
Email: florence.fowler@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Theft from vehicles and vehicle theft remains a concern in Langley City. Please continue to remove all items from your vehicle when parked, even if they have no value.

According to information on ICBC’s website, vehicles manufactured before 2008 have a higher risk of being stolen. They do not have electronic engine immobilizers by default. If you have an older vehicle, a steering wheel lock may reduce your vehicle’s likelihood of being targeted.

Four Practical Big Ideas to Take Climate Action in Metro Vancouver

Previously, when I read and heard about climate change, it was discouraging. While most people knew that climate change was accelerating due to fossil fuel burning, action to reduce the rate of climate change was slow or non-existent. I am no longer discouraged.

I have recently become more optimistic that we can and are taking action to reduce the rate and mitigate climate change impacts.

Transportation, heating, and electrical generation are the leading causing of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Metro Vancouver. By acting on these three fronts, we can seriously reduce GHG emissions and slow climate change.

One of the keys to providing alternates to fossil fuel usage in the transportation and electricity generation sectors is high-capacity, inexpensive, rechargeable batteries. These batteries are used in electric vehicles and to store energy produced by wind and solar power. Type “cost of batteries” into Google. You will find articles stating that these batteries are now as cost-effective as conventional technologies.

For heating, the energy efficiency of our buildings is improving due to government regulations. Electric heating technology has also become more efficient and cost-effective to install and operate. At a recent Langley City Advisory Design Panel meeting, there was a positive discussion about using electric heat pumps in new buildings. The design panel includes architects.

Last month, Langley City council passed a motion calling on our staff to start the process of updating our policies to reduce GHG emissions in our community. The provincial and federal governments also appear committed to reducing GHG emissions. The Metro Vancouver Regional District is also working on its Climate 2050 Action Plan.

At a recent Metro Vancouver Climate Action Committee Meeting, regional district staff presented four big ideas. These ideas will ensure that “100% of the energy used in the Metro Vancouver region is derived from clean, renewable sources” by 2050. The four big ideas are:

1. Accelerate electrification
2. Increase the supply of renewable gas
3. Expand Metro Vancouver’s role in providing clean, renewable energy
4. Limit expansion of fossil fuel supply infrastructure

While these ideas are indeed big, the staff report includes concrete examples of these ideas in action.

For example, the regional district has already piloted converting wastewater into renewal fuel, and Fortis BC already has a renewal natural gas program.

I believe we have turned the page when it comes to climate change, and we are starting to take serious action in our region. For more information, please read the Climate Action Committee Meeting agenda.

Crime Prevention Tip - Door-to-Door Soliciting is Regulated in Langley City

One of Langley City’s Crime Prevention Task Group’s initiatives is to provide monthly safety tips for seniors. These tips as distributed through various service organizations in our community.

While the task group gears these monthly tips towards seniors, they are relevant to everyone in Langley City.

Due to these times, you would not expect that people are going door-to-door soliciting for non-profit causes. Yet, one of our own task group members recently had someone knock on their door, purporting to be fundraising on behalf of a well-known charity.

Langley City regulates door-to-door soliciting. Anyone canvassing must carry a copy of their approved application and present it as proof upon request. If they don’t have their approved application, likely, the City has not authorized them.

As a note, local bottle drives, religious organizations, Girl Guides of Canada, and Langley Animal Protection Society’s dog licensing canvassers are exempt.

If unauthorized canvassers are in your neighbourhood, call City Hall at 604-514-2800 or the RCMP non-emergency line at 604-532-3200 to report them. If you can, be sure to get the name of the charity they claim to be canvassing for and the time and date they were at your house.

For more information, please select the poster below.

The Numbers Are in for 2020. Crime Significantly down in Langley City.

Since the second quarter of 2020, people have reported less crime in Langley City compared to 2019. The Langley Detachment of the RCMP recently sent Langley City’s Crime Prevention Task Group the overall crime statistics comparing all of 2019 to 2020.

Crimes committed against people are generally the most serious. While overall person-related crime was down, aggravated assault was up. Aggravated assault, for the sake of this post, includes when someone is notably injured, or a weapon is involved. Common assault can consist of being pushing or being part of a “bar fight.”

Property crime is also down in Langley City except for mail theft. Many people do not check their mail regularly. One way to help reduce mail theft is to check your mail daily.

Break and entry into businesses did not decline significantly. One of the reasons why break and entry into residents could be down was that many people worked from home in 2020.

The above charts are interactive, so please select the different coloured options to get more detailed information.

I’ve also included the raw information for select crime statistics below.

Person and property related offences in 2019 and 2020. Select table to enlarge.

Public Hearing: 5-storey, 18-unit Small-Site Apartment at 201A Street and 53A Avenue

On Monday night, Langley City council hosted a virtual public hearing for a proposed 5-storey, 18-unit apartment at 20172 53A Avenue. This apartment is on a small site at the corner of 201A Street and 53A Avenue.

Rendering of proposed 5-storey, 18-unit apartment at 20172 53A Avenue. Select image to enlarge.

You can read more about this proposed project in a previous post.

Site of the proposed apartment building. Select image to enlarge. Source: https://map.langleycity.ca/

At the virtual public hearing, the proponent of the project reviewed its specifics. Usually, several people attend virtual public hearings. At this public hearing, there were no members of the public present. Council did receive two pieces of correspondence.

One person who lives in a townhouse across the street was concerned about impacts to on-street parking and the building’s height.

The other person had specific questions about fire fighting access on the south side of the building.

Council must consider all correspondence received during a public hearing. This proposed project will likely come forward for a third reading at the next council meeting. At that meeting, council will vote on whether the rezoning to enable this proposed development will proceed.

February 8 Council Meeting: Extended library hours, anti-slip treads in McBurney Plaza and on bridges, Spirit Square light policy considered

Langley City council heard from Councillor Martin, the Fraser Valley Regional Library board chair, at the Monday afternoon public meeting. She stated that starting February 22nd, our library branch will be open from 10 am to 6 pm Monday thru Thursday. She noted that the medium-term goal is to restore the branch’s regular hours of 9 am to 9 pm Monday thru Thursday and Sunday hours.

Rick Bomhof, the Director of Engineering, Parks & Environment, provided an update to council.

He noted that the three new picnic shelters near Al Anderson Memorial Pool would be ready for May.

Mr. Bomhof stated that the City added anti-slip treads to McBurney Plaza. I asked if the City would use the same treads for the pedestrian/cycling bridges that the City is renewing at Portage Park and Nicomekl Park. The bridge decks can get slippery. He said that staff would explore adding anti-slip treads.

Crews removing bridge at Portage Park for restoration.

He also outlined the following:

• Staff added new vandal-resistant doors to the washrooms at Portage Park.
• Several large trees in City Park and Sendall Gardens fell due to wind and wet soil. Staff used the tree limbs to make railings for Sendall Gardens.
• Staff will remove downtown holiday lights starting February 15th. The tall trees on the side of Innes Corners Plaza now have permanent lights.
• Staff widened and renewed the sidewalk on the southwest corner of 56th Avenue and the Langley Bypass.
• Staff is replacing water meters throughout the community to ensure accurate readings.
• The City installed a new chlorine analyzer at our reservoir site to ensure continued safe drinking water for residents and performed regular maintenance at the site.
• Staff wrapped the traffic control box with a photo at 204th and 53rd Avenue to reduce vandalism.

The Mayor also proposed a motion that “staff be directed to prepare a report to Council on implementation of a policy for the use of the Spirit Square lighting system in responding to requests to the City to light up outdoor City locations in recognition of various causes and occasions.” Council approved this motion unanimously.

Please read a previous post to learn more about Monday’s council meeting.

February 8 Council Meeting: 2021 City Budget, Eastleigh Crescent Development, “Fraser River Revitalization,” and City Committees.

Langley City’s 2021-25 Financial Plan Bylaw has been working its way through the adoption process. I’ve posted about the proposed 2021 budget’s operating and capital projects components previously.

City staff hosted an open house about the financial plan last week. This open house was an opportunity for people to speak directly to senior staff about the budget, including expressing their opinions about the budget. All of council listened in. Two people expressed concern about borrowing $7.5 million for property acquisition to support extending the SkyTrain to Langley.

At yesterday afternoon’s council meeting held via Zoom, people could also speak to the proposed financial plan. No member of the public commented on the proposed financial plan. As such, council gave third reading to the 2021-25 Financial Plan Bylaw.

Even after council gives the financial plan final reading, the City must go through an Alternative Approval process to borrow $7.5 million for property acquisition to support SkyTrain. Through this process, if 10% of eligible voters elect, council must go to a full referendum to authorize the borrowing.

Council also gave third reading to update the current Official Community Plan and a zoning amendment bylaw to enable a 6-storey, 88-unit apartment development along Eastleigh Crescent. You can read more about this proposed development in a previous post.

Before giving third reading, staff confirmed that the developer would be required to provide off-street parking for construction crews. Staff also confirmed that there would be a full curb along the development to prevent people from parking on the sidewalk. The developer will post a number on-site for residents to call if there are concerns. The City will also be monitoring the project.

At the January 25th meeting, the Surrey Board of Trade was looking for Langley City to fund and participate in their “Fraser River Revitalization” project. I was concerned about this project as it might lead to converting our limited supply of industrial, agricultural, and conservation land to residential development. Langley City staff recommended against joining and funding the project at this time. Council supported this recommendation.

Council also appointed the following people to City committees, task groups and boards as noted:

Board of Variance, three-year term: Evan Williams
Environmental Task Group, one-year term: Lisa Stevens
Crime Prevention Task Group, one-year term: Nadia Gugubauer and Allen Yuarata
Arts & Culture Task Group, one-year term: Michael Paylor
Youth Advisory Committee, one-year year term: Mary-Anne Brodie and Avery Frew

Langley City’s Updated Interactive Map: Find information about your property, and view 19 years of high-quality aerial images

When people want to look at a map, the first location is likely Google, Apple, or Microsoft. Langley City also hosts a mapping service that provides information that you will not find on other maps.

Occasionally, people ask me about property lines and rights-of-ways. “Is that tree on City property or my property?” and “Is my fence or hedge within my property?” are some of the questions that people ask me.

Detailed property information for 20454 53 Ave. Select image to enlarge.

With Langley City’s online map, you can find answers to these questions. You can also find up-to-date property dimensions, and easements, as well as the location of street lights, water, sewer, and storm sewer lines. There is information about the parks system, trail network, and zoning.

You can layer all this information onto the interactive map by selecting “I want to…” then selecting “Change visible map layers.”

I’ve posted about this in the past, but one of the other great features is 19 years of aerial images of Langley City.

Aerial view of northwest Langley City from 2001. Select image to enlarge.

Aerial view of northwest Langley City from 2020. Select image to enlarge.

Next time you are looking for information about Langley City, check out https://map.langleycity.ca/

Virtual Opens Houses on 2021 Budget, Draft Official Community Plan and Draft Nicomekl River District Neighbourhood Plan

Langley City will be hosting a series of virtual open houses starting today, over the next week. The open houses provide an opportunity to ask questions directly and provide feedback to seniors City staff.

The first virtual open house is tonight for the City’s 2021 Budget and Financial Plan. This includes the operations budget and capital budget. Langley City’s Director and Deputy Director of Corporate Services will present the 2021-2025 Financial Plan. After the presentation, there will be time for people to ask questions and provide input.

Date: Thursday, February 4, 2021
Time: 7:00 pm
Zoom Registration: https://langleycity-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iR7ly-5pSfOHmlLA2wqNLQ

Draft land-use plan for Langley City. Select map to enlarge.

The second open house is for Langley City’s draft Official Community Plan. The official community plan will guide City policies around land-use, transportation, parks, the economy, and the environment over the next decade.

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Zoom Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JFv6_j4WRdewJ0AXuyQTJA

Proposed trail enhancements around the Nicomekl River. Select map to enlarge.

The final open house is for Langley City’s draft Nicomekl River District Neighbourhood Plan, which will guide the ecological protection and restoration, plus recreation options in the Nicomekl River floodplain. It will also guide land-use policies around the floodplain.

Date: February 10, 2021
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Zoom Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KCp4PEmOTtWcNav1jx1JDw

You can also provide your feedback about the draft Official Community Plan and Nicomekl River District Neighbourhood Plan at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XNB5TPD until February 21, 2021.

Metro Vancouver looking to make it harder to convert industrial land to other purposes

Generally, there is a strong desire for both property owners and municipalities to derive the most amount of economic potential from land. This desire has resulted in industrial land being converted into mixed-used neighbourhoods with ground-floor retail and offices or apartment above in Vancouver. In the Fraser Valley, this has resulted in the conversion of farmland into housing.

People recognize that maximizing the economic potential of land is not always in the best interest of society.

Way back, people recognized the value of parks and conservation lands. These protected areas preserve important ecosystems which also helps to improve human health. People realized that land provides critical food services in the mid-1970s. The provincial government created the Agricultural Land Reserve to ensure food security for our province.

Today, we recognize the value of protecting industrial lands that sustain manufacturing, logicists, and high-tech jobs. Industrial lands also support our region as one of the largest ports in North America.

All municipalities in Metro Vancouver must abided by the Regional Growth Strategy. The policies in the strategy are self-imposed by municipalities in our region. It helps ensure that we are all looking out for the best interests of the region, and not just one municipality.

Industrial land in Langley City.

While parks, conversation, agriculture, and rural lands have strong protections, the same cannot be said for industrial land. Today, to convert industrial land to other purposes, a municipality must get 50% + 1 of a weight voted by the Metro Vancouver Board. This weighted vote means people representing at least 50% of our region's population must approve.

The Metro Vancouver Board is now considering increasing the threshold to 2/3rds of a weighted vote to convert industrial land to other purposes.

This proposed policy change will help preserve industrial land, a priority in our region as it is a limited resource.

Langley City has a significant amount of industrial land in the area northwest of 56th Avenue and 200th Street, and Duncan Way. I know that both council and staff support protecting industrial land. This protection is reflected in our draft updated Official Community Plan.

January 25 Council Meeting: Living Wage, Fraser River “Revitalization,” and $4.15 Million Safe Restart Funding

At the January 25th meeting, Langley City council heard two delegations. The first delegation was from Anastasia French of the Living Wage for Families Campaign.

She noted that the living wage in Metro Vancouver is $19.50 per hour. This wage enables a basic but decent life, which factors in the cost of food, housing, transportation, and other essentials such as clothing and savings for unforeseen events.

French called for Langley City to become a Living Wage employer. Beyond ensuring that all City staff receive a living wage, this commitment also requires that contractor staff receive a living wage.

Council also received a delegation from the Surrey Board of Trade, who presented their “Fraser River Revitalization” plan. In the South of Fraser, most of the land around the Fraser River is either for industrial, agricultural, or conservation purposes. I was concerned that this revitalization plan is just a way to convert our limited supply of industrial, agricultural, and conservation land for residential development. Other members of council were also concerned about this proposal.

The Surrey Board of Trade sought funding from Langley City to move their proposal forward and have Langley City be part of their working group for this plan. Council asked staff to investigate the process for Langley City to be a member of this working group.

Council gave three bylaws final reading to change the sewer, water, and solid waste fees for 2021. You can read more about this in a previous post.

Council asked staff to send a letter to our MP Tamara Jansen asking for an official letter “clarifying what she meant by her comment that Langley City is becoming a ghost town.”

Council also asked the Mayor to send a letter thanking “the Premier and Minister of Municipal Affairs for securing $4.15 million for Langley City as part of the Canada-B.C. Safe Restart funding to support COVID-19 recovery in our community, allowing our local government to continue to deliver essential services to our community.”

Members of council sit of various City committees such as the Arts & Culture Task Group and Crime Prevention Task Group. Council members also sit on external committees such as the Fraser Health Municipal Advisory Council and Langley Senior Resources Centre Society. Council approved 2021 appointments. You can view the list of appointments by reading a section of the agenda.

January 25 Council Meeting: Park Avenue Rooftop Pickleball, Development Proposal at 53A and 201A, Public Hearing for Eastleigh Development Proposal

Last Monday, Langley City council reviewed several development proposals, as well as hosted a public hearing.

Council previously approved a 6-storey, 93-unit apartment building on the north side of Park Avenue. This building is currently under construction. The project's proponent sought council's approval to add around 17 rooftop solar panels and rooftop amenity space to the building. One of the unique features of the rooftop will be a pickleball court.

Rendering of rooftop solar panels and amenity space for 20449 Park Avenue. Select image to enlarge.

The City provided an opportunity for people to give feedback on these additions. Council received input from a resident who lived across the street concerned about the rooftop amenity space creating noise and impacting their view of the mountains.

The project's proponent noted that the amenity space's setback from the roofline reduces the amenity area's visibility. They agreed to work with the City to move some elements to improve mountain views.

The pickleball court sounds will be minimal and will not impact units, including the building's top-floor units. The court will have a 1.5-metre tall glass guardrail plus a 0.9-metre tall net above. The proponent of the project will work to ensure that the glass is visible for birds.

Council approved the rooftop amenity space and solar panels. This is the first apartment building I've seen in Langley City with solar panels and rooftop amenity space.

Council also gave first and second reading for a 5-storey, 18-unit apartment building at the corner of 53A Avenue and 201A Street.

Rendering of proposed 5-storey, 18-unit apartment at 20172 53A Avenue. Select image to enlarge.

The proposed building will have 2-bedroom plus flex units. Loading for the building will have to be accommodating from 53A Avenue. The City has scheduled a public hearing for this proposal on February 8th at 7 pm.

Council also held a public hearing for a 6-storey, 88-unit apartment located along Eastleigh Crescent on a currently vacant site. Council received several comments in favour of the proposed project. Council also received correspondence from a resident in the area concerned about on-street parking both during construction and after. Another resident has some specific concerns about the placement of the garbage bins and construction noise.

On-site loading will be a part of this proposed project. The proponent of the project will also be providing off-site parking for construction crews. I reminded the proponent that they are working in an area where people live and that I'll be keeping them accountable for their plan to provide off-site parking for construction crews.