Langley City Council received a presentation from staff about proposed updates
to the
draft Official Community Plan (OCP)
based on the public input
received at its public hearing.
One of the main concerns people raised at the public hearing was allowing
townhouses along the 200th Street and 208th Street corridors.
In response, staff noted that “emphasizing townhouse developments along 200
and 208 Streets will help achieve the key goal of removing driveway accesses
from these arterial corridors as these projects will be required to construct
back lanes for access, as well as providing more housing by frequent
transit.”
The other main concern people raised was about a proposed trail connecting
Hi-Knoll Park to 200 Street just north of 50th Avenue.
Staff noted that the “path illustrated on page 17 of the Nicomekl River
District Neighbourhood Plan is conceptual in its alignment and more detailed
design that can address the concerns raised at the public hearing is planned
to be done.”
Staff responded to most of the public input received. You can read their
responses in “Table 1: Public Hearing Input, Responses and Rationale.”
Based on public input received, staff recommended the following adjustments to
the OCP for Council to consider at third reading of the
OCP:
Amend any and all SkyTrain station references that use names other than “196
Street Station” and “203 Street Station” to refer to the planned SkyTrain
stations, located near 196 Street and 203 Street respectively, to use these
street based names.
Reword Policy 2.21. to: “Reduce minimum vehicle parking requirements in the
Zoning Bylaw to correspond with improved transit service, sustainable modes
of transportation, and public parking strategies, and periodically review
parking requirements as a part of future Zoning Bylaw updates and in
response to SkyTrain being constructed and becoming operational, and in
manner that reflects the City of Langley context.”
Reword Policy 2.6. (Update Master Transportation Plan) to: “Update the
Master Transportation Plan to align with this Plan and the Regional
Transportation Strategy, including protected multi-modal facilities on 200
Street and 208 Street.”
Policy 2.8. (Prioritize Investments) to “Prioritize investments in new and
enhanced infrastructure for walking, cycling, and rolling in the core and
shoulder areas of the planned SkyTrain stations, and around schools and
parks.”
Reword the second sentence of Policy 2.11. (Complete the Sidewalk Network)
to: “Efforts should be prioritized in more densely populated areas, around
schools and mixed use centres, near transit stops, by parks and public open
spaces, and where safety may be compromised.”
Add new Sub-Policy 2.28.4. under Policy 2.28. (Frequent Transit Network)
that states: “Transit priority measures.”
Reword Policy 2.28. (Frequent Transit Network) to: “Work with TransLink,
senior levels of government, BC Transit, and other partners to build a
long-term transit network in accordance with Map 6, including:”
Reword Policy 2.29 (Transit Exchange) to: “Work with TransLink and other
partners to advance plans for bus facilities at SkyTrain stations, including
relocating the Langley Centre Exchange to the vicinity of the 203 Street
SkyTrain Station.”
Reword Sub-Policy 2.32.1. under Policy 2.32 (SkyTrain Stations and Guideway
Design) to: “ensure station entrances and surrounding areas are designed to
be safe, accessible, easy to use and inviting for SkyTrain users and include
innovative art, lighting, landscaping, and public space elements to
integrate the station into the urban fabric; and,”
Reword Sub-Policy 2.32.2. under Policy 2.32 (SkyTrain Stations and Guideway
Design) to: “ensure the guideway right-of-way corridor is designed to
provide a safe, accessible, and comfortable pedestrian experience, and
feature innovative lighting, public art, landscaping, and public space
elements that integrate the guideway into the urban fabric and
streetscapes.”
Add new Sub-Policy 2.28.5. under Policy 2.28. (Frequent Transit Network)
that states: “Bus network integration with the planned SkyTrain extension.”
Reword Policy 2.34. (Partner with School District) to: “Partner with School
District No. 35 on safe routes for walking cycling, rolling, and taking
transit to schools, and explore the development of Safe and Active School
Travel Plans.”
Reword Policy 2.35. (Seek Grants) to: “Seek grant opportunities for
planning, infrastructure, and communications for walking, cycling, and
rolling.”
Reword Policy 3.4. (Universal Design) to: Use principles of universal design
when designing parks, trails, and public spaces, and ensure accessibility
for all ages and abilities.”
Rename Policy 3.7. (Expand Trail System) to: “Expand and Connect the Trail
System” and write it to state: “Expand the trail system, including bike
routes and greenways, and connect it to Metro Vancouver regional greenways,
TransLink’s Major Bike Network, and the transit system. Consider additional
key destinations when updating the Parks, Recreation, & Culture Master
Plan.”
Update the Purpose section of the General Environmental Development Permit
Guidelines (OCP page 72) by adding “in order to implement the Key Directions
and policies of this OCP that aim to fight climate change.” to the end of
the paragraph.
The proposed set of updates also includes housekeeping adjustments to the maps
contained within the OCP. For the complete list of proposed adjustments,
please see “Table 2: Public Hearing Input: Proposed Updates to OCP Bylaw No. 3200.”
Council asked staff to incorporate all their proposed updates into the OCP for
consideration at third reading. Third reading will likely occur at the July
26th Council meeting.
