February 24 Council Notes: Regional Sewage, Motions, and Provincial Advocacy

Yesterday, I posted about the housing items from Monday's Langley City Council meeting. Today, I will post about the remaining items from that meeting.

Council received a presentation from Jerry Dobrovolny, the Chief Administrative Officer for the Metro Vancouver Regional District, and Cheryl Nelms, who is part of their major project delivery office. They gave a presentation and answered questions from Council on the North Shore Waste Water Treatment Plant. As you may know, there have been some serious challenges with the construction of the project, which resulted in a 3.5 times increase in price from its 2020 budget. These costs are reflected in this year's sewer rates, including those of Langley City. Council asked several questions about the project, the distribution of costs across the region, and lessons learned to prevent cost overruns like this from happening for future projects. You can learn more about the North Shore Waste Water Treatment Plant on Metro Vancouver's website.

Council also gave third reading to our 2025 - 2029 Financial Plan. You can learn more about the budget and proposed project in previous posts.

Council also considered a motion to record who moves and seconds motions in our minutes. City staff noted that this would be against best practices as minutes are supposed to reflect the collective actions of a council and are not transcripts. Council elected to maintain our current policy.

One of the ways local governments can advocate to the province is through the Lower Mainland Local Government Association. This organization represents local governments from Lillooet to Hope. Local governments submit motions to debate at the annual conference and, if approved at the conference, are forwarded for debate at the annual Union of BC Municipalities conference in the fall. If approved at that conference, they are submitted to the province, which responds, including noting any action they might take.

Langley City Council approved submitting the following two motions to LMLGA.

Enhancing Housing Stability through Preventive Measures and Supportive Programs

WHEREAS the housing crisis in British Columbia is influenced by both insufficient housing supply and escalating demand pressures, leading to affordability challenges and housing insecurity that forces many individuals and families into unsafe and precarious living conditions, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation and victimization; and

WHEREAS preventive strategies, including the provision of adequate supports and access to portable rental subsidies, are essential to maintain housing stability and prevent homelessness;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia, in partnership with local governments and non-profit housing providers, expand programs to reduce housing vulnerability by expanding portable rental subsidies, enhancing support services, investing in preventive strategies, and providing direct grants to municipalities.

Enhancing A Collaborative, Sustainable, and Inclusive Approach to Food Security and Well-being

WHEREAS food insecurity remains a critical issue in British Columbia, exacerbated by climate change, economic instability, and supply chain disruptions, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, Indigenous communities, and socioeconomically disadvantaged regions; and

WHEREAS a resilient and inclusive food system requires sustained investment, cross-sector collaboration, and policies that integrate infrastructure development, technological innovation, cultural food systems, and community-driven approaches to ensure equitable access to nutritious food, economic resilience, and regional food security;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia collaborate with municipalities to develop and implement a comprehensive food security and well-being strategy that ensures sustainable investment in local food systems, strengthens regional and provincial food networks, promotes innovation in agriculture and food technology, and enhances access to culturally appropriate, affordable, and nutritious food for all communities.