February 7th Council Meeting Notes: Regional Growth Strategy Delays, Development Proposal, and Housekeeping Items

Last month, I posted about the Metro Vancouver Regional District’s proposed new regional growth strategy called Metro 2050. All municipalities in the regional district, including Langley City, must have their Official Community Plans aligned with the regional growth strategy.

I posted about what’s working and what’s not working with the proposed new Metro 2050.

At the most recent regional district board meeting, the majority of directors voted to pause the approval process for the proposed new regional growth strategy by one month to:

• Resolve outstanding member jurisdiction concerns.
• Consider whether stronger climate action can be integrated into Metro 2050 or concurrent policy work and consensus building on stronger climate action undertaken with an aim to amending Metro 2050 post adoption.

As a result, Metro Vancouver staff will now be reaching out to member jurisdictions with concerns over the next month. For example, Surrey Council wanted more consultation about Metro 2050.

Langley City Council previously appointed Councillor Martin to represent our community at the regional district board. At Monday’s Council meeting, she asked if staff had any further concerns about Metro 2050. City staff noted that Metro Vancouver staff has resolved most of the City’s concerns and that they are supportive of the proposed new Metro 2050. Langley City Council did not express any further concerns.

Council also gave third reading to a rezoning bylaw to enable a 96-unit apartment building that varies in height between 4-storeys and 6-storeys located at 19701-19729 55A Ave. You can read more about this proposed rezoning in a previous post.

Rendering of the proposed apartment along 55A Ave. Select image to enlarge.

Council approved two housekeeping items, including appointing a Chief Election Officer and Deputy Chief Election Officer as this is an election year. The other matter was updating the Council Correspondence policy on how Council officially receives and responds to written communication.