tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32991088868036088812024-03-19T01:36:20.686-07:00The South Fraser BlogA blog on transportation, urban planning, environment, and other issues that affect the livability with a focus on the South of Fraser region in Southern BC.Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.comBlogger3435125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-47028235605073453022024-03-18T05:52:00.000-07:002024-03-18T05:52:13.220-07:00What's Next for the Properties around City Hall and Timms<p>
Over the last several years, Langley City has acquired property around City
Hall and Timms Community Centre. This year, people have noticed that the City
has started demolishing the older derelict buildings on those properties.
</p>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIWbB2SkpCQsVuODLGMnGfBdjJkVDoG099D_74oX9X30M8MKAzH2Iepl-G9YBsCt2z0SPFhEru-RAFu-kUAz9U4KTZbjSXTbsIcDqOEf56kstA9cApcrCvf8h-MNeB9p0ZPZPyncO4iZ7qDAkflWcg3fafiz32BfKpBVVar7G125CDcPSxYFwjl_lolw/s1360/Screenshot%202024-03-18%20053018.png"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="889"
data-original-width="1360"
height="261"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIWbB2SkpCQsVuODLGMnGfBdjJkVDoG099D_74oX9X30M8MKAzH2Iepl-G9YBsCt2z0SPFhEru-RAFu-kUAz9U4KTZbjSXTbsIcDqOEf56kstA9cApcrCvf8h-MNeB9p0ZPZPyncO4iZ7qDAkflWcg3fafiz32BfKpBVVar7G125CDcPSxYFwjl_lolw/w400-h261/Screenshot%202024-03-18%20053018.png"
width="400"
/></a>
</td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Property that Langley City has acquired in recent years in blue
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
The funding to purchase these property acquisitions comes from loans and City
financial reserve accounts.
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2023/07/going-above-and-beyond-langley-citys.html"
target="_blank"
>You can learn more about this in a previous post</a
>.
</p>
<p>
Several folks have asked what the City will be doing with the property in the
short- and long-term.
</p>
<p>
In the short term, the City will use some of the property for parking to
support Downtown businesses as the City
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2023/03/renewing-century-old-fraser-highway-in.html"
target="_blank"
>renews the Fraser Highway One-Way</a
>. A section of the property will also become a temporary public park space.
</p>
<p>
With SkyTrain coming, 56th Avenue may be realigned to form a new road
connecting up to 203A Street to support SkyTrain.
</p>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0WegIXZzA6KTTkiyuxK2flc_sLSghi9U2MtBBuFEK18gLk1R0crOXI_-3LvJDJulZPERuBuD0OYMd1PuGbJhLdE7EvhSV5Ok6JjrcpuX5Jy1DrqGBzozULzBxsGvqEFU7IgpljndRLhLZARR4pmhGP5xOL0s2rwc1yIyCR3_v-0zOziw_WRttwqkv3M/s662/Screenshot%202024-03-18%20054301.png"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="662"
data-original-width="563"
height="400"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0WegIXZzA6KTTkiyuxK2flc_sLSghi9U2MtBBuFEK18gLk1R0crOXI_-3LvJDJulZPERuBuD0OYMd1PuGbJhLdE7EvhSV5Ok6JjrcpuX5Jy1DrqGBzozULzBxsGvqEFU7IgpljndRLhLZARR4pmhGP5xOL0s2rwc1yIyCR3_v-0zOziw_WRttwqkv3M/w340-h400/Screenshot%202024-03-18%20054301.png"
width="340"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
A possible road alignment between 56th Avenue and 203A Street in blue
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
In the long term, the City will use the land to support a new performing arts
centre and expanded Timms Community Centre, as noted in the City's Official
Community Plan.
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-7699623979711593082024-03-14T10:21:00.000-07:002024-03-14T10:21:16.613-07:00Getting Railroaded: Langley City’s Historic Railways Come to Life<p>
Langley City has a few roads that run at odd angles through our community. Of
course, Fraser Highway roughly follows old Yale Road, originally a wagon road,
which connected New Westminster and the Fraser Valley.
</p>
<p>
Glover Road connected Langley Prairie (City), the Hudson’s Bay Farm, and Fort
Langley.
</p>
<p>
A few of the roads in Langley City were former railway alignments. The most
famous railway was the BC Electric Railway, known as the Interurban, which ran
along Michaud Crescent and Glover Road. It provided passenger and freight
service from Vancouver to Chilliwack.
</p>
<p>
While many people know about
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/p/what-is-interurban.html"
target="_blank"
>the Interurban</a
>, most don’t know about the Vancouver, Vicotria, and Eastern Railway which
ran along Grade Crescent in Langley City. Grade Crescent got its name as it
was a railway grade.
</p>
<p>
A few years ago, Bruce Downing, a Langley City resident and railway buff,
approached Langley City about putting up some historical markers throughout
the community to highlight our railway history. With the community’s support,
this has now become a reality.
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2023/09/all-aboard-for-heritage-railway-signs.html"
target="_blank"
>You can read more about this in a previous post that I wrote</a
>.
</p>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwdq-EZAqBlHTkF9czeXRWhh_MgkmEeyna-Hn3OV7s5GGYIjPwSbVM0D5ppdrbK5CooRuKMi34Rh4Qr2y56ZB1s7stuxlPIosdAhBfvN-6FOJBUOEifP06JLmVB1xCIX24tujIQTPALqc9qBpX9N6AY9aG5FJhdiSjT6Aum0n0pjYJiTDajtXcTBKqAo/s4032/IMG_7191.JPG"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3024"
data-original-width="4032"
height="300"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwdq-EZAqBlHTkF9czeXRWhh_MgkmEeyna-Hn3OV7s5GGYIjPwSbVM0D5ppdrbK5CooRuKMi34Rh4Qr2y56ZB1s7stuxlPIosdAhBfvN-6FOJBUOEifP06JLmVB1xCIX24tujIQTPALqc9qBpX9N6AY9aG5FJhdiSjT6Aum0n0pjYJiTDajtXcTBKqAo/w400-h300/IMG_7191.JPG"
width="400"
/></a>
</td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Langley Prairie Station Langley Heritage Railway Interpretive Sign.
Select the image to enlarge.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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<br />
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style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3lDpUO9pllDmbDSMZk5rWgEzMaw-vGpxbNy96WYA9lhsSj7exoeE13UMdIEDuiyxNAnKvhlDmzPu1CKUM5kCRzs0R5OWnp5GiZdfG3i8NwPyg_8AaK7HSZvew1gDxqPgIJ6hhFlWQ9_jNrXlbx-aPjVsOc6p3AZ3xYG6ECQJQZ8qPbd7sI4GFGKGuZY/s4032/IMG_7193.JPG"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3024"
data-original-width="4032"
height="300"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3lDpUO9pllDmbDSMZk5rWgEzMaw-vGpxbNy96WYA9lhsSj7exoeE13UMdIEDuiyxNAnKvhlDmzPu1CKUM5kCRzs0R5OWnp5GiZdfG3i8NwPyg_8AaK7HSZvew1gDxqPgIJ6hhFlWQ9_jNrXlbx-aPjVsOc6p3AZ3xYG6ECQJQZ8qPbd7sI4GFGKGuZY/w400-h300/IMG_7193.JPG"
width="400"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Hunter Station Langley Heritage Railway Interpretive Sign. Select the
image to enlarge.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
City crews installed signs about a week ago, and you can now walk the Langley
Heritage Railway interpretive routes.
</p>
<p>
The Interurban route runs from Brydon Lagoon to Michaud Crescent/200th Street
and finally to Innes Corners Plaza.
</p>
<p>
The Vancouver, Vicotria, and Eastern Railway route runs from Condor Park to
Sendall Gardens and finally to Iris Mooney Park.
</p>
<p>
It is supposed to be a very nice weekend, so why not check out these walking
routes?
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-48114018568774945642024-03-13T06:03:00.000-07:002024-03-13T06:06:01.102-07:00Up Sh*t Creek: Pet Waste Killing Life in Langley City Waterways<p>
Nothing is more annoying than stepping in dog waste that an irresponsible
owner didn't pick up, and in every neighbourhood, there are at least one or
two irresponsible owners.
</p>
<p>
Stepping in pet waste is annoying, but many people don't know dog waste is
toxic, just like human waste. We build and use sewer systems to help reduce
disease and improve public health.
</p>
<p>
Dog waste
<a
href="https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2011/03/08/pet-waste-disposal-systems-help-protect-water-quality"
target="_blank"
>contains nitrogen and phosphorus</a
>. These nutrients encourage the growth of algae, which can deplete oxygen out
of waterways for fish and other water-based life. This fact is important to
keep in mind.
</p>
<p>
Dog waste also
<a
href="https://www.cpha.ca/human-diseases-transmitted-dog-poop"
target="_blank"
>contains bacteria and parasites</a
>
such as E. Coli and Cryptosporidium.
</p>
<p>
One of the odd things I've noticed lately is that people pick up their dog's
waste, put it in a little baggy, and shockingly throw the waste-filled baggy
into creek areas.
</p>
<p>The following picture is from Brydon Creek, just off 55A Avenue.</p>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArZGHMLuWb6ykMtwhauGz3b4jkOOWN0UjT9dkFHlvDpQTTCyIerBvGwVSi_TokEeeUYLIgDbLfuoUS8I7Y5ac9r0zKEGFAba5qp-h5ufO73Oc3WtevGCBXVDDQ8MCDesfWfY7obfAMz_HtmuOkfSzPG3mZIwhwN_gqjJ_8ohQRS96-9tp-elajaBqIyk/s4032/IMG_7175.jpeg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="4032"
data-original-width="3024"
height="400"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArZGHMLuWb6ykMtwhauGz3b4jkOOWN0UjT9dkFHlvDpQTTCyIerBvGwVSi_TokEeeUYLIgDbLfuoUS8I7Y5ac9r0zKEGFAba5qp-h5ufO73Oc3WtevGCBXVDDQ8MCDesfWfY7obfAMz_HtmuOkfSzPG3mZIwhwN_gqjJ_8ohQRS96-9tp-elajaBqIyk/w300-h400/IMG_7175.jpeg"
width="300"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Pet waste bags are thrown into the Brydon Creek protected area, just off
55A Avenue. Select the image to enlarge.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
As you can see, people are tossing pet waste-filled bags into the creek. There
are signs by creeks in Langley City that include a salmon logo. These logos
aren't just for looks; these are active, salmon-barring waterways. I've
personally seen salmon in these waterways.
</p>
<p>Simply put, dog waste in creek areas kills fish.</p>
<p>
If you are a dog owner reading this blog, I'm sure you are a responsible
owner. If you have friends who are dog owners, please help spread the word
about how toxic dog waste is and that people must handle it appropriately,
either through a dog waste disposal service or by flushing it down the toilet.
Never toss it into a natural area.
</p>
<p>
For the City's part,
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2021/10/langley-city-streetside-and-park-bin.html"
target="_blank"
>we completed an audit of public disposal bins</a
>, and we know they are full of pet waste. The City is working towards better
managing this waste in our bins.
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-86746573741360830672024-03-12T06:26:00.000-07:002024-03-12T06:26:01.474-07:00Bring Hope to Local Governments: 8-Years of the Toxic Drug Public Health Emergency<p>
In a month, British Columbia will be into year eight of the toxic drug public
health emergency. You or somebody you know has likely been directly impacted
by this health emergency, whether it has been responding to an overdose or
experiencing the loss of a loved one.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8el0yif4p22B2VonbhPJ9N-eXxE-udwHAb9ijZ8uu1wEexrX-d8vQ-JLK58Z6bybTDrdOcYplmPZg1IruQxxXWy-HBIZ9qlLuQSZwpg4FrtXaBo2qcE64TjDPfo5bTzjEOPn4ie8287LlcQe7XOt-ESCI6I2GblhlL1wLHdXgx1GuJA3ZqNR3Ix5sZQI/s4032/IMG_0699.jpeg"
style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "
><img
alt="Fraser Health Sign"
border="0"
width="400"
data-original-height="3024"
data-original-width="4032"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8el0yif4p22B2VonbhPJ9N-eXxE-udwHAb9ijZ8uu1wEexrX-d8vQ-JLK58Z6bybTDrdOcYplmPZg1IruQxxXWy-HBIZ9qlLuQSZwpg4FrtXaBo2qcE64TjDPfo5bTzjEOPn4ie8287LlcQe7XOt-ESCI6I2GblhlL1wLHdXgx1GuJA3ZqNR3Ix5sZQI/s400/IMG_0699.jpeg"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
This public health emergency has highlighted and exacerbated existing health
and social infrastructure gaps, with local government often trying to plug the
gaps.
</p>
<p>
While local governments are not set up to handle medical public health
emergencies or deal with the root causes of toxic drugs, we are nonetheless
trying to respond out of necessity.
</p>
<p>
One clear example is that fire departments are usually the first to arrive on
the scene when someone calls 911 and have seen a sustained, significant
increase in overdose responses. These calls have stretched many first
responders and fire departments to their limits.
</p>
<p>
Many local government leaders, whether elected representatives or staff
members, have felt unsupported and various degrees of hopelessness regarding
how to reduce the number of overdoses and related deaths in their communities.
</p>
<p>
Local Leadership United (LLU) is a Community Action Initiative and BC Centre
for Disease Control project that is creating a network for local government
elected representatives to exchange ideas, learn, and support each other
regarding this public health emergency.
</p>
<p>
They
<a
href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M9y-9fkqrQMhE-E_DFd_ClYjHbAYpCQu/view?usp=drivesdk"
target="_blank"
>recently released a report</a
>
that found local government leaders:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
Have difficulty understanding local government roles in addressing substance
use-related challenges
</li>
<li>
Feel alone in their work in addressing substance use-related challenges
</li>
<li>
Have knowledge gaps on how to reduce harm to individuals and communities due
to the toxic drug public health emergency
</li>
</ul>
<p>
The LLU has made the following recommendation to support local government
leaders:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
Investing further in dialogue, training and network opportunities that
address knowledge gaps, foster relationships of trust and intersectoral
partnerships in community overdose response.
</li>
<li>
Investing in granting opportunities that support local governments and
partners to build whole-community overdose response: one that allows local
leaders to understand their roles, build stronger relationships, and apply a
harm reduction approach.
</li>
<li>
Investing in provincial, local, and Indigenous-led anti-stigma campaigns
aimed at bringing broader communities into overdose response efforts.
</li>
</ul>
<p>
These recommendations will help reduce the hopelessness that many in local
government feel and help those in local government work with others to address
this public health emergency in their communities, including advocacy to the
provincial government to respond to this health emergency in communities
throughout BC effectively. There is strength in coming together.
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-78585710619692506552024-03-11T06:38:00.000-07:002024-03-12T07:57:01.575-07:00Zoning Bylaw Update Open House - View Presentation Boards<p>
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2024/03/attend-open-house-for-langley-citys-new.html"
target="_blank"
>As I posted last week</a
>, Langley City is updating our zoning bylaw. Langley City Council adopted the
current zoning bylaw back in 1996. I was in grade 7 at the time. I’ve changed
since that time, and so has Langley City.
</p>
<p>
While Council has updated the current zoning bylaw over the last 28 years, the
current zoning bylaw is just too out of date to support our current Official
Community Plan.
</p>
<p>
An Official Community Plan sets the vision for the community, including land
use such as building types and uses. A zoning bylaw enables the Official
Community Plan.
</p>
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLu1nwqx0pYPP6uV-mbHnbS4KvB9pLl6tm6eJhBX4xF7bMVCEQcyw0FT0_kx_oVHYpAPIPs0WDxleSJzna2I079mFx8kFVijwZ3JhR9YTcEe2cD1pumKR56QKsYV1O26WolJUpahZ9meAhv3NnQ0iFaKtckGBiNyNswSmnEJ8TDly0CtEBMHwf7DrGkU/s1440/IMG_7189.jpeg"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1080"
data-original-width="1440"
height="300"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLu1nwqx0pYPP6uV-mbHnbS4KvB9pLl6tm6eJhBX4xF7bMVCEQcyw0FT0_kx_oVHYpAPIPs0WDxleSJzna2I079mFx8kFVijwZ3JhR9YTcEe2cD1pumKR56QKsYV1O26WolJUpahZ9meAhv3NnQ0iFaKtckGBiNyNswSmnEJ8TDly0CtEBMHwf7DrGkU/w400-h300/IMG_7189.jpeg"
width="400"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
People attending Langley City’s Zoning Bylaw Update Open House.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
Last Wednesday, Langley City held an open house to get feedback about what
people want to see in our new zoning bylaw. This open house compliments the
online survey that the City put out last fall.
</p>
<p>
Close to 200 people came to the open house; it was great to see folks out. I
also know that for many people, it is hard to attend open houses either due to
work or other commitments.
</p>
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align="center"
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cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
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>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jYFiPfcr8iy1YmDvsDWZZZHmQqzfra-JVEFw7_kwdEQhnay4LQ6tzL57kvd7-L749ahBui_L_58UljA9FTOhYHnzt6ANrTjPSD4qserdEC9NUItycTI5tvkoeOBwfIIR4L6-Z4FeEorTVtlqhXIWYYIK43-y0KvxWvvSzYbKPXNl-HW27lEPeUEqt-8/s1914/IMG_7188.jpeg"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1284"
data-original-width="1914"
height="269"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jYFiPfcr8iy1YmDvsDWZZZHmQqzfra-JVEFw7_kwdEQhnay4LQ6tzL57kvd7-L749ahBui_L_58UljA9FTOhYHnzt6ANrTjPSD4qserdEC9NUItycTI5tvkoeOBwfIIR4L6-Z4FeEorTVtlqhXIWYYIK43-y0KvxWvvSzYbKPXNl-HW27lEPeUEqt-8/w400-h269/IMG_7188.jpeg"
width="400"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
An example of one of the Zoning Bylaw Update presentation boards.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
Langley City staff have
<a
href="https://langleycity.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/Development/Bylaws/March%202024%20Zoning%20Bylaw%20Open%20House%20Boards.pdf"
target="_blank"
>posted the presentation boards from the open house onto Langley City’s
website</a
>.
</p>
<p>
If you have questions about the presentation boards or want to provide
feedback, please email the Development Services Department at
<a href="mailto:planning@langleycity.ca">planning@langleycity.ca</a>.
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-80628361716714621382024-03-07T06:05:00.000-08:002024-03-07T06:05:48.633-08:00Mapping Hazards in Metro Vancouver<p>
In Metro Vancouver, we are subject to several natural hazards, including
wildfires, flooding, and earthquakes. The Metro Vancouver Regional District is
working on maps highlighting the geographical risks. These maps could help
people, including those in government, make informed choices on risk
management, climate change mitigation, development, and risk mitigation
measures.
</p>
<p>
The following is a multi-hazard map for Metro Vancouver. It shows areas
subject to hazards, which include riverine flooding, coastal flooding,
earthquakes, and wildfires.
</p>
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkSVA8CBf5dDV0107zVIYUXnC1GSBxLwN1W7sqNhwNKai3TVg0fmDGAuwWgbp4i1TpSMHjaBL02wrpzEr8x3_3RmNCOxdK9IebwCCyMOdfuGwli_UWUmLXNWx9vzVqlg_qL2XzJvzukO5W0mjFJ9LIFEC5BqqVI7NdOaGDz3tmp5BqjmYaqw98-HLmTw/s1887/Screenshot%202024-03-07%20055609.png"
style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"
><img
alt=""
border="0"
data-original-height="1234"
data-original-width="1887"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkSVA8CBf5dDV0107zVIYUXnC1GSBxLwN1W7sqNhwNKai3TVg0fmDGAuwWgbp4i1TpSMHjaBL02wrpzEr8x3_3RmNCOxdK9IebwCCyMOdfuGwli_UWUmLXNWx9vzVqlg_qL2XzJvzukO5W0mjFJ9LIFEC5BqqVI7NdOaGDz3tmp5BqjmYaqw98-HLmTw/s400/Screenshot%202024-03-07%20055609.png"
width="400"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Multi-hazard map of Metro Vancouver. Select the image to enlarge.
Source: Metro Vancouver Regional District.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
Grey means none of the four hazards are present. Yellow is one risk, orange is
two risks, and as the risks increase, the colour becomes more red.
</p>
<p>
Langley City is subject to both coast and riverine flooding.
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2023/04/new-langley-city-flood-construction.html"
target="_blank"
>A previous blog post explains</a
>
how the City plans to mitigate this risk in the long term.
</p>
<p>
For more information, including single-hazard maps, please review the
<a
href="https://metrovancouver.org/boards/RegionalPlanning/RPL-2024-03-08-AGE.pdf"
target="_blank"
>March 8 Metro Vancouver Regional Planning Committee Agenda</a
>
starting on page 10.
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-18488391960240006292024-03-06T06:11:00.000-08:002024-03-06T06:11:38.845-08:00March 4 Council Notes: Enhancing Development Application Notice and Feedback Process, 2024 Budget Adopted, Delegation<p>
Monday night's Langley City Council meeting was brief. It started with a
delegation titled "Working for Peace in the Middle East." You can request a
delegation if you'd like to present to Council. For more information about
delegations, please
<a
href="https://langleycity.ca/cityhall/city-council/council-meetings"
target="_blank"
>visit Langley City's website</a
>.
</p>
<p>
Council also gave final reading and adopted this year's budget and 2024 – 2028
Financial Plan. You can
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2024/02/langley-city-council-gives-2024-budget.html"
target="_blank"
>read more about this in a previous post</a
>.
</p>
<p>
It is now illegal for local governments to hold public hearings for
residential rezoning bylaws. As a result, Langley City gave first, second, and
third reading to update our Development Application Procedures Bylaw to align
with provincial law.
</p>
<p>
The new procedure bylaw also enhanced how people are informed about rezoning
requests, development permits, and development variance permits. At the start
of a development application, the City proposes that information signs be
posted within 30 days of receiving an application. This change means
development application signs will likely be up for months instead of weeks.
</p>
<p>
The signs will provide information about the proposed application and a unique
link to the City's website where anyone can learn more about the application
and view drawings. For people without access to the Internet, it will also
provide information on how they can view the information in person at City
Hall.
</p>
<p>
A new section of Langley City's website will allow people to track the
progress of all active development applications (including when they come to
Council for consideration). The section will include drawings and contact
information for the development applicant and City staff so people can provide
feedback and ask questions.
</p>
<p>
Council cannot hold public hearings or create new public hearing-like
processes. Under the proposed changes to Langley City's development
application process, Council will receive a general summary of public feedback
and how it has or has not been incorporated into development applications.
</p>
<p>
The problem with public hearings is that they happen late in the development
application process, making it harder to incorporate feedback into a
development project's design. By making it easier to ask questions and provide
feedback and doing it earlier in the application process, it will increase the
likelihood of that feedback being incorporated into a development project's
design.
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-35252580682022260892024-03-05T05:52:00.000-08:002024-03-05T05:52:03.331-08:00Langley City Council Awards $153,938 in Grants. $34,000 Awarded to Langley Senior Resources Society.<p>
Per a long-stand Council policy, $168,000 of the money Langely City receives
from the casino is allocated to community grants annually. Council has
provided more than $2.6 million in grants since this program launched in 2006.
</p>
<p>
This year, the City received 46 applications totalling $304,718.62. Council
awards $153,938.62 to 37 organizations that serve our community.
</p>
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tnhJ-3m6Ww3pwqc6aQjcbDN9W4fksGdbpNa3Z67Xe61sQqCItrbnH-3rPZBs4NyEhvhrzKgH8hpqMLbve0dhm3YXtrN5ThTz-i6g3ezKSAL2FBUi_aGHa3JGPGfAJDsqGp5KKoQDM-E5TKqEo2jkDXJJ3BOvhdkybvobgaYwhoszkcmhucbe4BhgByw/s4032/IMG_7145.JPG"
style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"
><img
alt=""
border="0"
data-original-height="3024"
data-original-width="4032"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tnhJ-3m6Ww3pwqc6aQjcbDN9W4fksGdbpNa3Z67Xe61sQqCItrbnH-3rPZBs4NyEhvhrzKgH8hpqMLbve0dhm3YXtrN5ThTz-i6g3ezKSAL2FBUi_aGHa3JGPGfAJDsqGp5KKoQDM-E5TKqEo2jkDXJJ3BOvhdkybvobgaYwhoszkcmhucbe4BhgByw/s400/IMG_7145.JPG"
width="400"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Langley City Council, Langley Senior Resources Society Board Members,
and their Executive Director Kate Ludlam at the cheque presentation.
Select the image to enlarge.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
This year, Council awarded $34,000 to the Langley Senior Resources Society as
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2024/02/donate-to-help-langley-senior-resources.html"
target="_blank"
>they suffered a flood</a
>
due to a break in a fire sprinkler pipe in January. The water caused extensive
damage. The building is on City property, which we lease to the Society for
$1. The City also helps support the membership subsidy program.
</p>
<p>
We presented the Society with a big cheque last night (including one that is
cashable) to help with their repairs. Council was enthusiastically supportive of
helping.
</p>
<p>The grants awarded for 2024 are shown in the table below.</p>
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<thead>
<tr>
<th class="tg-0lax">Organization</th>
<th class="tg-0lax">Amount</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">Bard in the Valley</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$15,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">BGC – Boys & Girls Club of Langley</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$4,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$2,500.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">Care for Women Foundation</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$3,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">Douglas Park Pickleball</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$5,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">
Downtown Langley Business Association - Arts Alive
Festival
</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$12,500.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">Encompass – Best Babies</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$3,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS)</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$5,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">Langley Community Farmers Market</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$3,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">
Langley Community Services Society – Global Fest
</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$5,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">Langley 4H District Council</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$150.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">Langley Flippers Swim Club</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$2,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">
Langley Fundamental Middle Secondary Dry Grad
</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$500.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">Langley Hospice Society</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$1,250.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">Langley Lawn Bowling Club</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$1,760.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">Langley Literacy Association</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$2,500.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">Langley Meals on Wheels Services Society</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$4,513.62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">Langley Rotary Clubs – RibFest Langley</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$5,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">Langley Scholarship Committee</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$4,950.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">Langley Senior Resources Society</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$34,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">Langley Senior Secondary School Dry Grad</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$500.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">Pitch-In Canada</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$425.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">PLEA – Children on the Street</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$1,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">RE Mountain Secondary School Dry Grad</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$500.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">
Ron Cares Society – Community Care Kit Program
</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$1,750.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">Rotary Club of Langley</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$2,100.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">Run for Sobriety Association</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$1,500.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">Silver Diamond Country Dancers</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$1,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">Southgate Church Easter Event</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$1,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">St. Joseph’s Church – Soup Kitchen</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$1,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">Terry Fox Run</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$1,300.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">Salvation Army Gateway of Hope</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$5,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">
Vancouver Area Youth Arts – Formerly KPU Music Fest
</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$3,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">Volunteer Cancer Drivers</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$1,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">Waceya Metis Society</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$10,240.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0lax">Youth Parliament</td>
<td class="tg-0lax">$1,000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-hmp3">Zajac Ranch Society</td>
<td class="tg-hmp3">$7,000.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-39002116607274494402024-03-04T06:12:00.000-08:002024-03-04T06:15:40.403-08:00Attend Open House for Langley City's New Zoning Bylaw<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdueMHdqhUpvGqHV-mS-f0la7f5qP1A_EBL4aPpBW3o4hCHqClb25Uorbj_qCyjbAY3S5JKmV12Uw0f65OhFztFHZ2riYQtIEmVmRF4jqB4zpKcwgQEmjUA0qNY_DapnMOl47QI2phWo/s957/Land-Use.png"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="957"
data-original-width="736"
height="400"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdueMHdqhUpvGqHV-mS-f0la7f5qP1A_EBL4aPpBW3o4hCHqClb25Uorbj_qCyjbAY3S5JKmV12Uw0f65OhFztFHZ2riYQtIEmVmRF4jqB4zpKcwgQEmjUA0qNY_DapnMOl47QI2phWo/w308-h400/Land-Use.png"
width="308"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Land-use map for Langley City. Select map to enlarge.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
Langley City Council adopted a new
<a
href="https://langleycity.ca/business-development/official-community-plan"
target="_blank"
>Official Community Plan</a
>
for the City in the fall of 2021. Among other things, an Official Community
Plan (OCP) outlines land uses permitted in each part of the City, including
the types of buildings. The OCP includes density and height requirements.
</p>
<p>
Recently, the provincial government has made it the law that local governments
such as Langley City must update OCPs every five years and that the land uses
and densities in that plan align with provincial-mandated housing needs
reports. Housing needs reports outline the housing types a local area
needs based on population and demographic projections.
</p>
<p>
In BC, by right, people can build up to four units of housing on every lot. In
Langley City, we are also subject to provincial law around SkyTrain Stations,
as we will have two stations (one at 203rd/Industrial Avenue and one at the
former White Spot at Willowbrook Mall.) By provincial law, we must allow
buildings up to 20 storeys within a 200-metre radius of a station, up to 12
storeys within a 200- to 400-metre radius of a station, and up to 8 storeys
between a 400- and 800-metre radius of a station. Provincial law forbids a
local government from setting minimum residential parking requirements within
800 metres of SkyTrain stations.
</p>
<p>
In Langley City, we have the Langley Regional Airport, which, due to federal
regulations, requires building height in most parts of the City to be about 15
storeys or less. Federal regulations override provincial law.
</p>
<p>
The title of this post is about the upcoming open house for people to learn
more about and provide feedback on Langley City's proposed updating zoning
bylaw.
</p>
<p>
While the OCP sets the vision for the community, the zoning bylaw gets into
the nuts and bolts of implementing the OCP. It includes bike and car parking
and loading requirements (where it doesn't conflict with provincial law),
rules about how buildings are set back and interface with other buildings, and
what uses are allowed within buildings, including types of businesses. Zoning
bylaws can also include sustainability and affordable housing regulations.
</p>
<p>
Langley City is in the process of updating our zoning bylaw and will be
hosting an open house as follows:
</p>
<p>
<b
>Wednesday, March 6th<br />
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm<br />
Langley City Hall (2nd Floor)</b
>
</p>
<p>
This open house follows the feedback received at the neighbourhood meetings in
October and online feedback received in November last year.
</p>
<p>
Please
<a
href="https://langleycity.ca/business-development/zoning-bylaw/zoning-bylaw-update"
target="_blank"
>visit Langley City's website to stay current</a
>
as the City goes through the process of updating our zoning bylaw.
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-41453239797874497672024-02-29T06:22:00.000-08:002024-02-29T06:22:39.872-08:00February 26 Council Notes: Daycares in Downtown, James McMillan's 1824 Portage, and Socio-Cultural and Economic Development Advisory Committee<p>
Over the last few days, I've posted about some of the things addressed at
Monday's Langley City Council meeting, including
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2024/02/langley-city-council-gives-2024-budget.html"
target="_blank"
>third reading of the 2024 budget</a
>
and issuing a development permit for
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2024/02/council-approves-development-permit-for.html"
target="_blank"
>an industrial building project</a
>. Today, I will highlight the remaining items in that meeting.
</p>
<p>
Over the last year, we've seen a clustering of daycares in the Fraser Highway
One Way area. By law, daycare facilities must usually provide on-site, outdoor
play areas. We have many examples of this throughout our community. A daycare
provider can apply to Fraser Health
<a
href="https://www.fraserhealth.ca/-/media/Project/FraserHealth/FraserHealth/Health-Topics/Child-care/Child-Care-Licensing-Resources/Outdoor-Play-Areas-Away.pdf"
target="_blank"
>for special permission</a
>
to use an outdoor play area not connected to their daycare. Fraser Health has
allowed Douglas Park to be that play area for several Fraser Highway One Way
facilities, which is less than optimal. The Downtown Langley Business
Association sent a letter to Council asking that the City look at daycare
requirements and zoning in the Downtown area. At the meeting, Langley City
staff said they would be investigating this request.
</p>
<p>
At the meeting, Council also gave final reading and issued a development
permit for a 5-storey, 93-unit rental apartment building at the corner of 53rd
Avenue and 201A Street. You can
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2022/07/public-hearing-5-storey-93-unit-rental.html"
target="_blank"
>learn more about this project in a previous post</a
>.
</p>
<p>
Council also received a presentation from the Living Arts Society. They are
looking to put on an event at Portage Park and the Michaud House to celebrate
<a href="https://nancymargueriteanderson.com/fraser-river/" target="_blank"
>James McMillan's 1824 expedition</a
>
to find a suitable location for what is now Fort Langley.
</p>
<p>
In December, Langley City Council approved creating a new
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2023/12/december-11-council-notes-39-million.html"
target="_blank"
>Socio-Cultural and Economic Development Advisory Committee</a
>. On Monday, Council released the names of people appointed to the committee.
You can
<a
href="https://pub-langleycity.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=f0f240a6-7ee2-4a12-a5e0-2001301c9454&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English&Item=35&Tab=attachments"
target="_blank"
>read the complete list</a
>
on Langley City's website.
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-49989841761396528162024-02-28T07:41:00.000-08:002024-02-28T07:41:12.728-08:00Langley City Council Gives 2024 Budget Third Reading, Asks for Budget Surplus Allocation Framework.<p>
On Monday night, Langley City Council considered giving third reading of our
2024 Budget and Financial Plan. I provided an overview of the proposed ongoing
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2024/01/first-look-at-langley-citys-proposed.html"
target="_blank"
>operating budget</a
>
and
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2024/01/public-safety-and-basics-langley-citys.html"
target="_blank"
>capital projects</a
>
in previous posts. You can also learn
<a href="https://city.langley.bc.ca/FinancialPlans" target="_blank"
>more about the plan on the City's website</a
>.
</p>
<p>
One of the first things that Council did was amend the Financial Plan to add
$15,000 to the parks capital projects budget to fund replacing two sheds on
the Langley Lawn Bowling greens. The City owns this facility and leases it to
the Langley Lawn Bowling Club.
</p>
<p>
Because local governments must have balanced budgets by provincial law, these
budgets are generally conservative to reduce the risk of becoming unbalanced
and going into deficit. As a result, there are surpluses at the end of the
year. The year-end surplus was $900,000 at the end of 2022.
</p>
<p>
Because City staff are still finalizing the numbers, they can only
estimate that the surplus for the end of 2023 will be around $2,000,000. This
surplus includes $700,000 from higher-than-expected interest from investments,
with the remainder from unfilled job positions. The unfilled job positions
included new positions from the 2023 budget, such as additional firefighters
and recreation workers, whom the City can only hire part-way through the year
as Council typically approves the budget in March. It takes time to hire
people. It also includes vacancies due to people moving on from a job or going
on leave.
</p>
<p>
By convention, any surplus has been rolling into the Capital Work Reserve. The
Capital Work Reserve is one of the funding sources for capital projects. Other
sources include grants from the federal government, the provincial government,
and TransLink. These sources also include casino revenue and fees collected
from development.
</p>
<p>
Council had a robust discussion on reducing the proposed property tax increase
by 1% this year (about $12 per year for an attached property or $24 per year
for a detached property) and using some surplus in place of the proposed 1%
infrastructure levy. Money collected from this levy goes into the Capital Work
Reserve.
</p>
<p>
After the discussion, Council decided to leave the infrastructure levy in
place, primarily because we have an approximate $10 million per year gap in
what we are currently putting into our capital projects budget annually and
what we should be putting into the budget annually to complete public safety, water, sewers,
parks and roads project identified in various City plans. This gap is growing.
City Council is slowly trying to close this gap with an annual infrastructure
levy.
</p>
<p>This year, our proposed capital projects budget is $25.7 million.</p>
<p>
Council Mack and White identified a gap in formal policy about how we allocate
year-end surpluses, so Council unanimously approved their motion to "develop a
year-end surplus allocation framework that considers taxpayer-borne costs
associated with budgetary surpluses, continues to strategically allocate
funding for specific infrastructure and other established priorities the
Council has identified. (i.e. RCMP Reserve contribution, Capital Works Reserve
contribution) while still upholding prudent financial planning practices."
</p>
<p>
Council will consider final reading to adopt the budget this coming Monday.
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-84946082596860482052024-02-27T06:02:00.000-08:002024-02-27T06:57:14.147-08:00Council Approves Development Permit for New Industrial Buildings on Production Way<table
align="center"
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class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBAkXPvzbCInTuh8UGhE5wWGtYYJDtXCzVcfBmhq7h2mjrMo0hZm9P4b8N2rjZTulpdBcYJ1dT256TyKT2DzUHji3jQ_2vurUGT1HcePAm1P-KNy8Z-AzJJ8ZovRTBnL1pyCMeGC5YuNpc2TDVNxOZ_h20ujjTAAEAwVUuyoSE-uk9vJ2IdufjeY2dHo/s1536/Screenshot%202024-02-27%20055657.png"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="954"
data-original-width="1536"
height="249"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBAkXPvzbCInTuh8UGhE5wWGtYYJDtXCzVcfBmhq7h2mjrMo0hZm9P4b8N2rjZTulpdBcYJ1dT256TyKT2DzUHji3jQ_2vurUGT1HcePAm1P-KNy8Z-AzJJ8ZovRTBnL1pyCMeGC5YuNpc2TDVNxOZ_h20ujjTAAEAwVUuyoSE-uk9vJ2IdufjeY2dHo/w400-h249/Screenshot%202024-02-27%20055657.png"
width="400"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Rendering of proposed project, view from Production Way. Select the
image to enlarge.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
Recently, Langley City has seen an increase in redevelopment applications in
our Production Way industrial area, which is bound by 56th Avenue, 200th
Street, and the Langley Bypass. Last night, Council issued a development
permit to enable creating a 2-building, 104,205 sq. ft./9,681 m2 industrial
development at 5721 Production Way. Development permits govern the form and
character of a project, not the height, use, or setbacks.
</p>
<p>
Langley City's
<a
href="https://www.langleycity.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/Agenda/ADP%20Terms%20of%20Reference.pdf"
target="_blank"
>Advisory Design Panel</a
>, which reviews most development proposals,
<a
href="https://pub-langleycity.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=17555"
target="_blank"
>provided feedback</a
>
on suggested changes to the original development permit application as
follows:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Improve pedestrian access and safety into and within the site.</li>
<li>Increase porous surfaces within the site.</li>
<li>
Update the signage, including keeping the signs on Production Way to a human
scale.
</li>
<li>
Increase the landscaping within the City right-of-way to mimic the curve of
the proposed sidewalk.
</li>
<li>Provide more large-canopy and additional coniferous trees.</li>
<li>Provide rain shelter/shade structures in outdoor break areas.</li>
<li>Provide more secure visitor bicycle parking.</li>
<li>Review site large-vehicle maneuverability for safety.</li>
<li>Provide more design interest on the building roofs.</li>
<li>Ensure sufficient soil volumes for all trees.</li>
<li>Update landscape to ensure fire hydrant viability.</li>
</ul>
<p>
Besides changing the buildings' roof designs, the applicant incorporated all
the suggested improvements of the Advisory Design Panel.
</p>
<p>
Council thanked the applicant for incorporating the Advisory Design Panel
recommendations.
</p>
<p>
Council received one written letter from Westman Steel Industries, which is
adjacent to the proposed project. They fully supported the project but had
some specific construction-related and water-management concerns. Langley City
staff told Council that the applicant would respond to Westman Steel
Industries to address their concerns.
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-78422671937747147692024-02-26T05:48:00.000-08:002024-02-26T06:47:34.054-08:00The BCFED Calls on the Province to Massively Invest in Transit Service<table
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style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWfY5m-lZCJVSAtHRRJLWmxTrMA7I7718JKJMwHO9jRqH3GIfq3BvWolnQH0ZeEN0MfU6XQaTKyXBT0flbyXrGpF7NiTWW_ZVrk-khnNKmFI8oiwZ-WFruuCqAklTf5FNcgx3yLqQ4SIJyosCIqHK_8pKsSIKVhFd2rn-ko2J9Y7WvqlyPMt5lpr1urI/s4032/51599618673_09cc4593d1_o.jpg"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3024"
data-original-width="4032"
height="300"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWfY5m-lZCJVSAtHRRJLWmxTrMA7I7718JKJMwHO9jRqH3GIfq3BvWolnQH0ZeEN0MfU6XQaTKyXBT0flbyXrGpF7NiTWW_ZVrk-khnNKmFI8oiwZ-WFruuCqAklTf5FNcgx3yLqQ4SIJyosCIqHK_8pKsSIKVhFd2rn-ko2J9Y7WvqlyPMt5lpr1urI/w400-h300/51599618673_09cc4593d1_o.jpg"
width="400"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
BC Transit Bus in Downtown Agassiz
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
Last week, the BC Federation of Labour released a report called “<a
href="https://bcfed.ca/connecting-bc"
target="_blank"
>Connecting BC: A Ten-Year Vision and Investment Plan for Public Transit
throughout BC.</a
>” The report’s authors called on the provincial government to make a
generational investment in public transit. This investment into transit will
help strengthen the economy, provide good jobs, and help the province meet its
climate action goals.
</p>
<p>The following is a summary of the proposed investments.</p>
<ul>
<li>
Build a province-wide, intercity express bus network to replace Greyhound
service lost in 2018.
</li>
<li>
Outside of Metro Vancouver, double local transit service within the next
five years and triple the service over the next decade.
</li>
<li>Expand HandyDART service province-wide.</li>
<li>
Develop new regional rail connections across the South Coast and Vancouver
Island.
</li>
<li>
Add new passenger ferry options between Vancouver, the Gulf Islands, the
Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island.
</li>
<li>
Accelerate TransLink’s 10-year
<a href="https://accessforeveryone.ca/" target="_blank"
>Access for Everyone plan</a
>
for Metro Vancouver.
</li>
<li>Expand existing free transit programs to youth aged 13 to 18.</li>
<li>
Create a province-wide fare payment system for local, intracity, rail, and
ferry transit services.
</li>
</ul>
<p>
The capital projects in the report total $15.4 billion. The authors also call
on the province to increase its ongoing operating financial support, about
$350 million today for public transit, to $1.5 billion over the next ten
years.
</p>
<p>
For more information,
<a
href="https://assets.nationbuilder.com/wevotebc/pages/2627/attachments/original/1708050077/Connecting_BC_Report_-_BCFED.pdf"
target="_blank"
>please read the full report</a
>.
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-7281690864994058542024-02-22T05:53:00.000-08:002024-02-22T05:53:31.548-08:00Langley City's Crime Prevention Committee Calls for Secure Bike Parking<p>
If you've been to Downtown Langley, you will see that we have various designs
of bike racks, from whimsical to practical, on the street and around Timms
Community Centre. There are also chain-linked bike parking spots in the Timms
Community Centre parkade.
</p>
<p>
Langley City's volunteer-led Crime Prevention Committee noted the current bike
rack and parking may not be the most secure and called on Langley City Council
to look into installing modern, secure bike parking around Timms Community
Centre. Council supported this recommendation and asked City staff to prepare
a report with proposed locations, style, and cost of installing secure bike
parking. With the massive adoption of e-bikes, which can be expensive, there
must be a safe place to park the bikes in our downtown area.
</p>
<table
align="center"
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style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSfxsrSB-sqYOTDO5HAmIoM8-jHfJFsmsu1SB7jaP6Cx_NKoaMkrBdTNInhj-SFkfTwBDbfyJu8gbYl65Hio05hlKGEYh0NF8ze4tjjehxBhLGhMfPyTTGILVemmMQyv6lcKkIky2NCGWoo8a1r4BWeL_PzF1-3FQiEwmePbdYaAHflRNTMRTnq43fUk/s3072/Bikes%20at%20BART%20Station.jpeg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="2304"
data-original-width="3072"
height="300"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSfxsrSB-sqYOTDO5HAmIoM8-jHfJFsmsu1SB7jaP6Cx_NKoaMkrBdTNInhj-SFkfTwBDbfyJu8gbYl65Hio05hlKGEYh0NF8ze4tjjehxBhLGhMfPyTTGILVemmMQyv6lcKkIky2NCGWoo8a1r4BWeL_PzF1-3FQiEwmePbdYaAHflRNTMRTnq43fUk/w400-h300/Bikes%20at%20BART%20Station.jpeg"
width="400"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Example of multi-point lock bike racks. Select the image to enlarge.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwUzITmggQ2Pv3bem-5yrPOsF-AHcOuheBIGYjl80UrLfmhM7PvkwEMSxnca-GlYgBJ58eIcm_vY1Bd1KmigYV0gDu8Kwol7stab4LwYnPMMLmgDH79YEWQv5qbz9irMfP2kllhUD4t-4zwevcqei1kaC0Pf5mFliRpUKQxe-nloqnsvFrSEKSluSFEk/s4032/IMG_0692.jpeg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3024"
data-original-width="4032"
height="300"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwUzITmggQ2Pv3bem-5yrPOsF-AHcOuheBIGYjl80UrLfmhM7PvkwEMSxnca-GlYgBJ58eIcm_vY1Bd1KmigYV0gDu8Kwol7stab4LwYnPMMLmgDH79YEWQv5qbz9irMfP2kllhUD4t-4zwevcqei1kaC0Pf5mFliRpUKQxe-nloqnsvFrSEKSluSFEk/w400-h300/IMG_0692.jpeg"
width="400"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Example of bike storage lockups. Select the image to enlarge.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
In Kelowna, they have excellent bike parking throughout their downtown. I'd
like to see more of it throughout Langley City, including in strip malls.
</p>
<p>
Many people attend Community Day and other events downtown, but again, there
is limited opportunity to securely park bikes due to the sheer volume of
people attending. The Crime Prevention Committee asks if, for Earth Day or
Community Day, the City could consider assigning space around Douglas Park to
support a volunteer <a href="https://thebicyclevalet.ca/" target="_blank">Bike Valet</a>, as you see at many events throughout Metro
Vancouver. Langley City Council supported this request.
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-43156439795569147102024-02-21T06:08:00.000-08:002024-02-21T07:07:31.673-08:00February 12 Council Notes: Contaminated Soil Increases Project Cost 21%, Accepting Gifts, Invasive Mussels<p>
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2023/05/may-29-council-notes-financial.html"
>In May 2023</a
>, Langley City Council approved awarding a $4,156,715.00 tender to McDonald
& Ross Construction Ltd. The tender was for renewing the:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
Watermain, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer along 56 Avenue from 200 Street
to 203 Street
</li>
<li>Traffic signal at the 56 Avenue & 201A Street intersection</li>
<li>Watermain on Park Avenue</li>
</ul>
<p>
At last Monday's Langley City Council meeting, City staff asked Council to
increase the tender by $898,500.
</p>
<p>
The construction company must remove and dispose of soil as part of the
project. At the start of the project last year, the company found that the
soil's chloride (salt) levels exceeded new provincial regulations, making the
soil "contaminated material," significantly increasing disposal costs. The new
disposal cost is $638,569.32. City staff also recommend an additional
$240,664.22 contingency. These changes increase the overall tender from $4.2
million to $5.1 million, or a 21% increase.
</p>
<p>
Council had a robust discussion with City staff on this increase, including
asking that City staff implement further checks and balances to ensure we
don't experience similar project cost increases due to contaminated soils in
the future.
</p>
<p>Council approved increasing the tender.</p>
<p>
At the same meeting, Council approved updating our "City Amenity Gift Program
Policy" - CO62. Occasionally, the City will receive benches, outdoor clocks,
or other gifts from groups. These gifts can have unintended maintenance costs
or shorter lifespans than standard City outdoor furnishings. The updated
policy ensures that any gift donated to the City is from the City's standard
outdoor furnishings and equipment catalogue.
</p>
<p>
Council also approved a rezoning bylaw and issued a development permit to
allow a 6-storey, 126-unit apartment at 19948 55A Avenue.
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2023/09/public-hearing-notes-6-storey-126-unit.html"
target="_blank"
>You can read more about this projec</a
>t in a previous post.
</p>
<p>
Finally, Council asked City staff to draft a letter in response to a request
from the Okanagan Basin Water Board to call on the province to continue to
take action to prevent invasive mussels from being introduced into BC
watersheds.
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-16765445366024402532024-02-20T05:58:00.000-08:002024-02-20T06:50:53.999-08:00Feedback on Langley City's Proposed 2024 Budget<p>
Last Monday, February 12th, Langley City Council dedicated a portion of its
regular meeting to officially hearing feedback and reviewing written
submissions on the proposed 2024 budget.
</p>
<p>
Four people gave Council the benefit of their opinions at the meeting. Two
speakers were a husband and wife, who were not supportive of the budget and
questioned why we were investing so much into police, including $11 million to
acquire land for a possible new detachment for Langley City, given the
uncertainty of the Township of Langley led de-integration process. I noted
that the only thing certain in Metro Vancouver is the increased cost of land
and that by purchasing the land now, we would save taxpayers a lot of money in
the future. If we don't need the land, the City could sell it at a profit and
reinvest that money into the community.
</p>
<p>
Another individual again questioned why we are considering investing more in
police and fire protection and wanted fewer firefighters and police officers.
</p>
<p>The final person who provided verbal feedback supported the budget.</p>
<p>
Council also received six pieces of written correspondence. Three letter
writers were in support of the proposed 2024 budget. One letter writer opposed
increasing the number of firefighters. Another letter writer opposed
increasing the number of firefighters and police officers; they wanted the
City to invest the money instead into flood mitigation.
</p>
<p>
The Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce asked us to lower property taxes this
year by charging more for recreation programming, deferring investment in
police, fire, and bylaw services, and finding additional cost savings within
the budget.
</p>
<p>
At the Council meeting, City staff noted that management looks for cost
savings yearly and that no department is automatically granted funding just
because they had it last year.
</p>
<p>
A common request from a few community members every year during the budget
process is to defer spending until a future year or use capital works savings
to fund ongoing operations to lower taxes in the current year. The problem
with using capital works savings is that we are underinvesting in our
infrastructure today, so any extra money we save throughout the year helps us
reduce our deferred infrastructure maintenance. We are increasing the money
we put aside every year to try and get out of this deferred maintenance. The
more money we put aside, the faster we can get our infrastructure into a good
state of repair.
</p>
<p>
The cost of labour, goods, and services will always increase unless we enter a
recession; this means Langley City's property tax will have to increase
yearly. If the proposed increase were 5% in year one, 5% in year two, and 5%
in year three, and if Langley City Council lowered property tax in year one to 3%,
year two would see a 7% increase.
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://city.langley.bc.ca/FinancialPlans" target="_blank"
>Please visit Langley City's website</a
>
for more information about the proposed 2024 budget.
</p>Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-309007421758201482024-02-15T05:50:00.000-08:002024-02-15T05:50:59.066-08:00How do we build housing for the next million British Columbians?<p>
This week, 400 local government representatives from throughout BC gather in
Downtown Vancouver for the Union of BC Municipalities' "<a
href="https://www.ubcm.ca/policy-areas/housing/housing-summit-2024"
target="_blank"
>Housing Summit 2024: Local Vision. Local Action.</a
>" I was one of six panellists during a Tuesday morning session titled
"Housing the Next Million British Columbians."
</p>
<p>
We talked about some of the current challenges regarding the lack of
affordable housing for working British Columbians, how the new changes to
provincial laws on minimum densities (among other things) will impact local
government and housing supply, and what we need to do as a country and
province to get more affordable housing built, including the infrastructure to
support population growth such as water, sewer, transit, schools, and health
care services.
</p>
<p>
Folks from UBCM interviewed me after the panel, which I have shared below.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-48323245348772524132024-02-14T06:10:00.000-08:002024-02-14T06:10:47.425-08:00Langley City Calls on Province to Invest in Our Overcrowded Schools<table
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<a
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imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3024"
data-original-width="4032"
height="300"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Btl6H48wEsBMa3D45Mk8ELjxh7-dx2kOff_GTse54xqmMw1Y0zGS5kmQ5a0LrC6EDWDRGp-ufvYcvGAYxu5rZIaoEpXYMEwOgFNEwdGClnComzM3sj9JWlbxOIXH0r-8OURpI4jT_1OiCQsX9GEt8Q71ewUaG-ia4T7FOardXfpwgjmalG8Ha8ZQ6KA/w400-h300/53065714721_e76e3f4ae3_o.jpg"
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/></a>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Arial view of the fast-growing Brydon area of the Nicomekl Neighbourhood of Langley
City. Select the image to enlarge.
</td>
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</table>
<p>
Langley City Council urges the Ministry of Education and Child Care to invest
money in expanding schools in Langley City to address overcrowding.
</p>
<p>
“School enrolment within the City has increased beyond current capacity over
the past few years with the adoption of our new Official Community Plan that
supports the Provincial objective of increasing housing stock for families
with children,” said Mayor Nathan Pachal. “The arrival of the SkyTrain by 2028
and new provincial housing requirements will increase housing units and
students by 241 percent and 142 percent, respectively, within the next
decade.”
</p>
<p>
The number of Development Permit applications received for multifamily
residential projects over the last four years represents an annual addition of
5% to 8% to the existing housing stock. The Nicomekl neighbourhood is
experiencing the highest growth in the City, absorbing approximately 80% of
the City’s net population growth. “There will be another 165 students in the
Nicomekl neighbourhood over the next four years and we desperately need to
expand Nicomekl Elementary School immediately to address this increase,” said
Mayor Pachal. “The eight-classroom expansion scheduled for 2025/26 is a
positive step but we can’t wait that long. We need a firm commitment from the
Provincial Government to approve the estimated cost of $28,030,139 for the
expansion project and/or advance funding for this project to 2024/25.”
</p>
<p>
Langley City’s developments continue to contribute toward School Site
Acquisition Charges with no significant benefits to students in Langley City.
“We need the investment to remain in Langley City for Langley City schools. We
can’t ignore that other neighbourhoods in our community will be facing growth
as well. This will necessitate further capital investment in other City
schools to ensure they can reasonably accommodate student growth through
adding new classrooms or expanding/renovating existing school buildings and
sites,” said Mayor Pachal.
</p>
<p>
Langley City has a great working relationship with the Ministry of Education
and the School District 35 Board and we look forward to collaboratively
ensuring that the necessary funds are allocated accordingly for the
construction, expansion, or renovation of Langley City schools to meet current
and future
</p>
<p>
<i
><a
href="https://city.langley.bc.ca/news/investment-langley-city-schools-needed"
target="_blank"
>This is a repost of a press release from Langley City's website</a
>. This blog is not official City communication.</i
>
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-6827057725196865872024-02-13T05:57:00.000-08:002024-02-13T05:59:21.728-08:00Langley City's Calls to Action for the Provincial Government<p>
At the beginning of May, local government representatives from the Lower
Mainland will gather in Whistler for the annual Lower Mainland Local
Government Association (LMLGA) conference. One of the main parts of the
conference is debating various resolutions submitted by member municipalities
and regional districts.
</p>
<p>
If they receive majority support during the debates, these resolutions are
submitted to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) for debate by people
representing all local governments in our province at the fall UBCM
conference. If supported at the UBCM annual conference, UBCM will submit them
to the province for consideration.
</p>
<p>
This may seem like a lot of process, more than just writing a letter to the
provincial government directly. But, the idea is that resolutions from all
local governments in BC carry more weight than a letter from just one or two
municipalities.
</p>
<p>
At last night's meeting, Langley City Council endorsed sending four
resolutions to the LMLGA annual conference for debate.
</p>
<p>
The
<a
href="https://pub-langleycity.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=17513"
target="_blank"
>first resolution</a
>
calls on the provincial government to implement a cost-recovery model to
compensate local governments when local fire services respond to medical calls
(as health care is a provincial mandate.)
</p>
<p>
The
<a
href="https://pub-langleycity.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=17514"
target="_blank"
>second resolution</a
>
calls on the provincial government to identify and address current gaps in
provincial courts, including updating the plan for court expansion projects
and new locations to improve access and keep up with population growth.
</p>
<p>
The
<a
href="https://pub-langleycity.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=17515"
target="_blank"
>third resolution</a
>
calls on the provincial government to roll out the "<a
href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BelongingStrategy.pdf"
target="_blank"
>Belonging in BC: A collaborative plan to prevent and reduce
homelessness,</a
>" including funding expanding permanent shelters with associated program
support to all municipalities in BC.
</p>
<p>
The fourth resolution calls on the province to provide additional funding to
the local government to support the updating of Official Community Plans and
Engineering Servicing Plan, as well as flagging additional requirements
such as schools and hospital expansion due to the province's new legislation
around housing and population growth.
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-1586200980400961462024-02-12T05:33:00.000-08:002024-02-12T05:33:51.757-08:00Working on the Basics: $3.5 Million Water, Sewer, Road Renewal Project in Simonds Neighbourhood<p>
In Langley City, we focus on the basics, such as renewing water mains, sewer
lines, and roads.
</p>
<p>
While there is a lot of renewal going on in our north of the Nicomekl
neighbourhoods, we also have major projects going on in our southern
neighbourhoods as well, such as the $3.5 million investment to replace ageing
water mains, storm sewer, and road renewal in the 202 Street area south of 48
Avenue.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-63828104921579748722024-02-08T06:06:00.000-08:002024-02-08T06:06:28.692-08:00From the Mayor’s Office: An Important Open Letter to Langley City<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7XDnEV_eM6UzM_o53CsZkhzxqY0eqeVjfd5LMahw5zS4jYWkO-_Yc2VJTck-kQ2QB9SnDR9ibEFgYCzSwo7chV_wcJxfEVWoWbm_eiHH25E2B4PgVj2Iw9eXtRr_VNHRe3TzBOvjjTGKvdNoT4hphfqwCzxoWwcBtWP1kIpHxv7N2MSOSYxXumHXpE0/s1000/Council%20Chambers_reduced%20size.jpeg"
style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "
><img
alt="Langley City Council"
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</div>
<p>Dear Residents of Langley City,</p>
<p>
I wanted to take a moment to update you on some important developments within
our community as we consider the 2024 Budget.
</p>
<p>
Our primary focus for this plan is to enhance community safety and invest in
essential infrastructure. To that end, we have proposed several key
initiatives:
</p>
<p>
<b>Community Safety Enhancement:</b> We aim to bolster the safety of our city
by hiring three new RCMP members, three additional firefighters, an Emergency
Management Program Advisor, and a Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
</p>
<p>
<b>Investing in the Basics:</b> We recognize the importance of maintaining our
vital infrastructure. Therefore, we plan to allocate funds for crucial
projects such as sanitary sewer repairs, replacing asbestos cement, drainage
culvert replacement, and the pedestrian bridge replacement over the Nicomekl
River. Additionally, we aim to enhance community events like Community Day,
Remembrance Day, and the Magic of Christmas to bring our community together in
celebration and remembrance.
</p>
<p>
You can find detailed information about the financial plan on our website
here:
<a href="https://www.langleycity.ca/FinancialPlans" target="_blank"
>https://www.langleycity.ca/FinancialPlans</a
>
</p>
<p>
I want to emphasize Langley City’s residential property taxes are one of the
lowest in Metro Vancouver. I encourage residents to consider the
<a
href="https://city.langley.bc.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/AppForms/Tax_Prepayment_Plan.pdf"
target="_blank"
>Property Tax Prepayment Program</a
>, which allows you to make 11 monthly installments toward next year’s
property tax while earning interest on your prepayment balance. Additionally,
the Province of BC offers a
<a
href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/property-taxes/annual-property-tax/defer-taxes"
target="_blank"
>Property Deferment Program</a
>
for eligible residents.
</p>
<p>
It is with regret that we must address the recent decision by Langley Township
Council to deintegrate the joint Langley RCMP Detachment, a shared police
force that has served both communities successfully for decades. I want to
clarify that Langley City was not consulted nor provided with any detailed
financial analysis supporting the claim that we are not paying our fair share
of policing costs. As determined with the Township in 2007, the City is
responsible for one-third of the costs and as agreed we have and do pay for
one-third of the RCMP.
</p>
<p>
Read more information about the deintegration of the joint Langley RCMP
Detachment:<br />
<a
href="https://www.langleycity.ca/TownshipConsidersRCMPDeintegration"
target="_blank"
>https://www.langleycity.ca/TownshipConsidersRCMPDeintegration</a
><br />
<a href="https://www.langleycity.ca/TownshipDeintegratesRCMP" target="_blank"
>https://www.langleycity.ca/TownshipDeintegratesRCMP</a
>
</p>
<p>
In our commitment to transparency and community engagement, we have started
several new initiatives:
</p>
<p>
Through meaningful collaboration, the City and the community can come together
to deliver solutions and actionable items to address issues like health and
social needs, homelessness, housing, inclusion, diversity, community safety,
and well-being.
</p>
<p>
Given the urgent need to take action in our community, Council has endorsed
the City taking on the role of facilitating coordinated access and support for
vulnerable individuals. This is done by engaging senior government partners
and agencies, such as BC Housing, Fraser Health, Ministry of Social
Development and Poverty Reduction, and local nonprofit agencies to provide
direct service to our vulnerable community members. This initiative aims to
provide streamlined referrals, housing, and access to support services across
Metro Vancouver. This system will be fully activated by Spring of this year.
</p>
<p>
The Citizens’ Assembly on Community Safety Reform, is a participatory
democracy initiative to engage a diverse cross-section of our community, such
as residents, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and advocates in meaningful
dialogue for meaningful change. Together the City and the community will
explore innovative solutions to make strides in enhancing community safety and
determine the most effective ways to address calls for service in a timely and
resource-effective manner.
</p>
<p>
We will be selecting the Assembly Members in early 2024, so stay tuned for
more information in the upcoming months.
</p>
<p>
This is indeed an exciting and transformative time for Langley City as we
continue to work together to make our community safer and more resilient.
</p>
<p>On behalf of Langley City Council.</p>
<p>
Sincerely,<br />
Nathan Pachal<br />
Mayor of Langley City
</p>
<p>
<i
>This is a repost of the letter which appears in today's Langley Advance
Times as official City communication. This blog is not official City
communication.
</i
>
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-38939888630063122952024-02-07T06:20:00.000-08:002024-02-07T07:11:08.692-08:00Updates to regional growth strategy include new "Langley Town Centre Langley Township" and "Langley Town Centre Langley City" mapping<p>
From time to time, the Metro Vancouver Regional District updates the regional
growth strategy, Metro 2050, with housekeeping changes such as fixing
inconsistencies with mapping and labelling. The Regional District also updates
the growth strategy to align the regional growth strategy with agreed-upon
municipal Official Community Plan updates. Without getting into the
weeds, municipal Official Community Plans must be consistent with regional
growth strategies in BC.The
<a
href="https://metrovancouver.org/boards/RegionalPlanning/RPL-2024-02-09-AGE.pdf"
target="_blank"
>regional district board is going through this update process now</a
>.
</p>
<p>
The provincial government now allows up to four housing units to be built on
all urban lots by right in Metro Vancouver. The word "urban" is important
because we have a rural land use designation in Metro Vancouver. Areas like
Salmon River Uplands (Otter) in the Township of Langley are rural. The new
provincial housing rules don't apply in rural areas.
</p>
<p>
There are four villages in Metro Vancouver: Anmore, Belcarra, Bowen Island,
and Lions Bay. Except for Lions Bay, they are outside of the "urban" area. As
was agreed back in 2022, one proposed update includes moving Lions Bay outside
of the urban area, designating it as rural. This change means Lions Bay is not
subject to the new provincial housing minimums.
</p>
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakLxize3V9hPzEMSJLAN8SzD4HMURXhDlRNYF70uvfPMWdLJVExPTtrljrCwWC6YjJILFtyztsgV8WYqqleF5O3Af_z7Lf5ydEsVJ_gH_4Ku0K9sfE7L5rDIqsaKB4vLMBdJpBbXE_g09KR_ZMgzuVzG_AfnrX0PKaC8HfhBdFTc6FVvv2Mese5CtHPw/s1931/Screenshot%202024-02-07%20060903.png"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1016"
data-original-width="1931"
height="210"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakLxize3V9hPzEMSJLAN8SzD4HMURXhDlRNYF70uvfPMWdLJVExPTtrljrCwWC6YjJILFtyztsgV8WYqqleF5O3Af_z7Lf5ydEsVJ_gH_4Ku0K9sfE7L5rDIqsaKB4vLMBdJpBbXE_g09KR_ZMgzuVzG_AfnrX0PKaC8HfhBdFTc6FVvv2Mese5CtHPw/w400-h210/Screenshot%202024-02-07%20060903.png"
width="400"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Shows proposed adjustment of the Urban Containment Boundary to exclude
Lions Bay and redesignate it as rural. Select the map to enlarge.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
There is another interesting labelling change. Metro Vancouver's regional
growth strategy aims to concentrate growth in urban centres. Langley City,
north of the Nicomekl River and the Willowbrook area in the Township of
Langley was traditionally called the "Langley Regional Centre" in regional
growth strategies that date back to the 1990s. A proposed update includes
breaking up this designation to the "Langley Town Centre Langley Township" and
"Langley Town Centre Langley City." It's a mouthful, and though it doesn't
have any meaningful impact, it does highlight that there are two
municipalities, which is likely a good thing.
</p>
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_5h-l6fjSvBGMkVzNniL4ZPfymRJeeZdmJUgUynu9PX09NpbfdwsneuFb4MMPHW56iUcQTbODnxVGPyvfOaB7fZulwcajGT9NGsuDQyFye-CNrYhuR8TJmG_cRBqw1eTZfbqK6FhUpW43cb93Sxzvg4oRvcrG8vuIZOBk7kDEVHy4r5OMZb11bVxYLg/s1588/Map%204.png"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1122"
data-original-width="1588"
height="283"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_5h-l6fjSvBGMkVzNniL4ZPfymRJeeZdmJUgUynu9PX09NpbfdwsneuFb4MMPHW56iUcQTbODnxVGPyvfOaB7fZulwcajGT9NGsuDQyFye-CNrYhuR8TJmG_cRBqw1eTZfbqK6FhUpW43cb93Sxzvg4oRvcrG8vuIZOBk7kDEVHy4r5OMZb11bVxYLg/w400-h283/Map%204.png"
width="400"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Proposed Update to Map 4: Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development
Areas. Select the map to enlarge.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
Other proposed changes, beyond minor boundary adjustments and labelling,
include updating the Regional Greenway Network and Major Bikeway Network and
Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory maps to reflect updates since the adoption of
the Metro 2050 regional growth strategy.
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-8190820140958476822024-02-06T05:41:00.000-08:002024-02-06T05:41:00.066-08:00Reminder: Langley City Budget In-Person Open House Tonight<p>
A few weeks ago, I posted about Langley City's proposed 2024 budget and
2024-28 Financial Plan.
</p>
<p>
In previous blog posts, you can learn about some of the
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2024/01/first-look-at-langley-citys-proposed.html"
target="_blank"
>proposed new investments</a
>
into public safety and infrastructure and some of the
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2024/01/public-safety-and-basics-langley-citys.html"
target="_blank"
>projects the City proposes to fund</a
>
this year.
</p>
<p>
The City also has
<a
href="https://langleycity.ca/cityhall/finances-taxes/financial-plans"
target="_blank"
>extensive information on the budget available online</a
>. While you can learn about the budget online, there is also an opportunity
to talk to City staff and learn about the proposed budget in person.
</p>
<p>Tonight is the in-person open house for the proposed budget.</p>
<p>
The details are:<br />
<b>Date:</b> February 6th<br />
<b>Time:</b> 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm<br />
<b>Location:</b> Langley City Hall (20399 Douglas Crescent)
</p>
<p>
You can drop in anytime during those hours and stay for as little or as long
as you like. No RSVP is needed.
</p>Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-70662128675523057732024-02-05T06:10:00.000-08:002024-02-05T07:03:15.510-08:00Housing Update from Minister Ravi Kahlon at Metro Vancouver Council of Councils<p>
On Saturday, Mayors and Councillors of Metro Vancouver municipalities attended
the semiannual Metro Vancouver Council of Councils meeting. This meeting
allows all local elected representatives to learn about significant regional
initiatives at the Metro Vancouver Regional District, ask questions, and
provide feedback.
</p>
<p>
In the fall, the provincial government introduced a suite of legislation
around land use, likely the most significant change in BC land-use law in the
last 75 years. This was a very special Council of Councils, as it was
dedicated to one topic: the provincial changes to land use.
</p>
<p>
I've talked about these changes in a previous post, but at a high level, the
province now, by right, allows people to build up to four units of housing on
every lot in urban areas, going up to six units along frequent transit lines.
Near SkyTrain Stations and major transit exchanges, the province allows people
to build, by right, at a minimum between 8 and 20 stories, depending on the
distance. The final change was updates to some funding tools local governments
use to still allow the collection of fees to pay for infrastructure even with
the new "by right" densities.
</p>
<p>
At the Council of Councils, Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon noted that the
province would introduce new legislation to allow local governments to require
a certain percentage of affordable housing or housing for people with
disabilities in new residential housing projects. He also hinted at
legislation for Tenant Relocation Policies. In a previous post, you can
<a
href="https://sfb.nathanpachal.com/2023/09/sneak-peek-on-what-langley-city-council.html"
target="_blank"
>learn more about how these changes fit into the Langley City context</a
>. In the past, municipalities would negotiate inclusionary zoning and tenant
relocation policies as part of the rezoning process. In many cases, this
negotiation is no longer possible because of the new "by right" densities. It
is good to see that the province plans to plug this gap with new legislation.
</p>
<p>
If there was one phrase that was used over and over again at the Council of
Councils, it was "unintended consequences." Metro Vancouver Regional District
staff presented some of their concerns about the provincial housing changes
and proposed solutions. The biggest concern is that there are not enough
planners and consultants to update local government policies and bylaws within
the provincial government's timeline. The Regional District is looking at how
it can support member municipalities to meet the aggressive provincial
timelines.
</p>
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1Wbe77GG2a2UohXAvzf2aIKw77i5U9jUXf_Qqph1kvspxXaeVQSjHZQscyZZQsCLbYN_1dm7mmrg27K4Cm_MxU4etGyTjM4CCetqmHwliP0o93hhf-rD2jhgX32e72JkyZeTPc-3zbooAPBGslavv5nswzghxRpGsTFSrgIjKW0rxsouAlPIZ1uu_-I/s4032/IMG_2700.jpeg"
style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"
><img
alt=""
border="0"
data-original-height="3024"
data-original-width="4032"
height="300"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1Wbe77GG2a2UohXAvzf2aIKw77i5U9jUXf_Qqph1kvspxXaeVQSjHZQscyZZQsCLbYN_1dm7mmrg27K4Cm_MxU4etGyTjM4CCetqmHwliP0o93hhf-rD2jhgX32e72JkyZeTPc-3zbooAPBGslavv5nswzghxRpGsTFSrgIjKW0rxsouAlPIZ1uu_-I/w400-h300/IMG_2700.jpeg"
width="400"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
A slide from Saturday's Council of Councils meeting shows current
single-family areas and the likelihood of densification due to province
legislation. Select the image to enlarge.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
There is one big concern in my mind: infrastructure. We cannot have increased
density without improved transit service. Currently, TransLink
<a
href="https://www.translink.ca/-/media/translink/documents/about-translink/governance-and-board/council-minutes-and-reports/2023/october/agenda--mayors-council--public-mtg--oct-2023--web.pdf"
target="_blank"
>is on the path to bankruptcy.</a
> Mayors will need to significantly increase TransLink property tax to
prevent this bankruptcy and expand transit; the province must also come to the
table with new stable operating funding for TransLink. If they don't, transit
service will not meet demand and congestion on our roads will skyrocket.
</p>
<p>
The federal government must also come to the table with water and sewer
infrastructure funding. With our population growth driven by federal policy,
they must also help pay for the infrastructure required to support this
growth.
</p>
<p>
It was an informative Council of Councils meeting, and I look forward to the
next meeting in the fall.
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-70980030940389536062024-02-01T06:04:00.000-08:002024-02-01T06:04:50.554-08:00Donate to Help Langley Senior Resources Centre Flood Recovery<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a
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<p>
A few weeks ago, the Langley Senior Resources Society Centre suffered a flood
due to a break in a fire sprinkler pipe. The water damage caused extensive
damage, and the insurance deductible will be $50,000. Paying this deductible
will essentially wipe out all their Christmas fundraising.
</p>
<p>
While Langley City Council will look into how we can support the Society's
recovery, the Society has also launched a new "Rise Above" flood recovery
appeal.
</p>
<p>
<a
href="https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E920298QE&id=6"
target="_blank"
>You can donate online</a
>, by calling, or by dropping by the
<a href="https://lsrs.ca/" target="_blank">Senior Resources Centre</a>.
</p>
<p>
They will have a special drive-thru donation day on Friday, February 2nd, from
10 am to 2 pm.
</p>
<p>
They will also host a "Love LSRS" Flood Recovery Fundraiser on Wednesday,
February 14th, from 4 pm to 8 pm. You can call 604-530-3020 to reserve your
seat. Tickets are $45 for members and $50 for non-members.
</p>
<p>
The Langley Senior Resources Centre is an integral part of our community and
provides a lifeline for many seniors. Please consider supporting their
fundraising efforts. I will be making my donation today.
</p>
Nathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.com0