July 7 Council Notes: $27,000 Donation Received for Oneway Project, RCMP Update, New Waste Collection Program

On Monday, Langley City Council received our quarterly RCMP update from the Officer in Charge of the Langley Detachment Superintendent Dosange. He provided a brief overview of some of the policing initiatives they are working on in the City over the summer, including working with the BC Lions, where youth will train with CFL players to compete in a tournament later this month. The first event was at HD Stafford and helped get young people who live in both the City and Township engaged in positive activity.

You'll also see the police on bikes in our parks and trails over the summer. One of the major police concerns is people using e-scooters (both kick scooters and ones that look like mopeds) unsafely. The police are launching an education campaign around these mobility devices, including positive reinforcement and partnering with 7-Eleven to give out free coupons.

The police continue to partner with bylaws, including for trespassing matters. They will also ramp up the promotion of the Block Watch program in partnership with the City's Crime Prevention Committee.

On the crime stats, Dosange noted that things are stable in the City, though he did note an increase in auto theft, which he believes will be reduced shortly. A handful of people cause most criminal activity; once arrested, the crime will drop significantly. These people are also known as prolific offenders.

Later in the meeting, the Langley Foundation presented a $27,000 cheque to Langley City to purchase trees and street furniture for the Fraser Oneway project. The Langley Foundation is a local charity that supports improving pedestrian paths and trails, preserving and illuminating history, and enhancing green spaces. This generous donation will help offset some of the cost of the Oneway project.

Council also received an update on the rollout of the new waste collection program for people in detached houses and non-strata townhouses. City contractors are delivering bins this month, and the new collection system starts August 1st. More information is available on the City's website.

City staff presented to Council some proposed updates to our minute-taking policy to align with best practices. Council also updated who on Langley City staff attends the E-Comm Annual General Meeting as voting members on behalf of the City. E-Comm is a local government-owned organization that provides 911 and first responder radio services.