langleywatchdog…. and more!

Well, it is silly season, better known as election year! In keeping with that tradition there is the minority opposition on council using that age old political position “I am in favor of all of these projects this budget will achieve and do for the community, BUT, I am opposed to the budget?” At the same time the self-entitled nay sayers in the community continue to spread fake news, rumor, gossip and innuendo, all motivated by an unfortunate will to “Not let the facts get in the way of a good story”, a good example of a little knowledge being dangerous!

For the record – I have been very involved in politics for 51 years, this year. During this period of time, I have served as an Alderman in Delta (late 80s) and again in the Township of Langley as Mayor (2008 – 2011). At various times I have served on numerous regional committees with Metro Vancouver and the TransLink Mayors Council as well as the Delta Police Board, a Provincial appointee for 6 years as well as serving as an Alternate Director of the MFA (Municipal Finance Authority). Throughout these many years I have had to deal with many difficult financial situations and budgets at all levels. Having said that every situation is different, there is no cookie cutter approach – it requires courage and a will to make the difficult decisions that will benefit our communities. I am a life-long conservative, supporting strong fiscal policies, but with a strong common-sense social conscience. A party label should not define you! Opposition, for the sake of opposition does not serve our community well!

Past History of Township of Langley Politics? – Despicable and corrupt! After moving to Langley in 1996, I was sworn off politics by my wife, just enjoying our farm and horses. Watching and learning from a distance, investigating, then being angered by what I observed and uncovered, triggered my reason to run. 3 years in office as Mayor only angered me more, the problem I had, an 8 – 1 vote against making responsible changes. Observing the policies and actions of our current Mayor and his majority, I am very pleased to see the changes they have made, policy and staff, eliminating the old boys club and insider benefits, while being very responsive to taxpayer needs.

To the case at hand!

The 5-year Township of Langley Financial Plan debate and vote on 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th reading of this year’s budget! – I viewed Council’s debate, discussion and vote on this issue at the March 9^th and March 23^rd Council meetings. Unbelievable is the only way to put it! It seems Councillor Richter (serving 7 terms on Council), Councillor Whitmarsh (serving 8 1/2 years on Council) and Councillor Kunst (serving 8 years on Council) still don’t understand (or they are pretending not to understand) the principles behind the B.C. Government provincially mandated annual 5-year Financial Plan process. They imply the projected property tax increases within the 5-year Financial Plan will be a reality when they know (based on years of experience) it won’t be. The fact is, projected tax rates within the 5-year Financial Plan are projected, not reality. Fact, this year’s property tax increase is 3.97%.

5-year Financial Plans and their projections by Municipal Governments are a requirement under Provincial Government legislation. A 5-year Financial Plan is recreated annually, dropping a year and adding a year. It is a product of staff incorporating anything and everything, either wishes or ideas mentioned by council or staff during any given year.

The principles regarding 5-year Financial Plans state “An expenditure that is not provided for in the 2026 – 2030 5-year Financial Plan (in this case) is NOT lawful” – thus the need to cover any and all eventualities, which again never becomes a reality – That is a fact!

Councillor Michael Pratt gave a very good response to this issue in his summation of debate in the March 9^th Council meeting (view it on-line) – a very good response based on fact not hyperbole, not politics!

The Township of Langley’s major problem was the dark decade of Mayor Jack Froese (2011 to 2022) – Under his leadership, his council constantly rejected implementing a CAC (Community Amenity Contribution), a program which was designed and implemented by the City of Vancouver in the late 80s and early 90s. The Jack Froese council repeatedly rejected an annual cost of living increase to DCCs (Development Cost Charges) which carried significant negative financial impact for future councils.  

During debate Mayor Woodward made the case that if you have good outcomes the only choice for the opposition is to go after the process! If you listen to the debate he is bang on!

The budget –

• Funds 17 firefighters, 16 of which would staff the new Brookswood Fire Hall #8 – without them this hall would not open.
• Funds 4 new RCMP members – 2025 – 2026!
• Funds new equipment and firefighting apparatus including personal protective equipment.
• Funds security upgrades for safety of our RCMP detachment members.
• Funds accessible upgrade for the Bell Park Playground in Brookswood
• Funds phase 4 to finish the final stretch of 208^th Street to 83^rd Ave.
• Funds the 212^th connector which is required by agreement with the School District for the new high and middle school in Willoughby. You can’t build schools with no access to them.
• Funds water metering for Townhouses, Condos and homes to reduce living costs for many.
• Funds replacing the Walnut Grove Strawberry Reservoir this year and next.
• Funds a long term 5 year rural and local reconstruction program that gets underway this year because TOL is spending so much money maintaining roads, not thinking long term, starting to reconstruct them to reduce operating costs in the paving program.
• Funds the finishing of Yorkson Community Park off 80^th Ave. with a walking track, playground and picnic areas in preparation for an elementary school there which would allow for the planned Willoughby Community Center at the corner of 80^th and 208^th Street.
• Funds the upgrade of Walnut Grove Secondary Community Park and phase one for North Langley Diamond Sports at Walnut Grove Secondary

It is distressing to hear some members of Council (the minority) make speeches in favor of schools but not on the roads to get there.

Not one member of council had proposed an amendment against any of the above. They have spoken of the need for what has been proposed BUT have voted against the budget.

Politics, I get it; BUT let’s strike a note of reality and honesty during the debate!

As what was patently obvious during the debate, the minority of council repeatedly talked about being supportive of our police department, of our fire department, of the implementation of key community infrastructure but then vote down the budget? You cannot be supportive of keeping our community safe, while voting down the budget that will get us there; unless of course you are playing politics?

Debt, I get it; BUT using the tool of debt responsibly with a responsible pay back plan makes absolute sense under our particularly dire circumstances!

As a life-long conservative I have always been opposed going into debt, UNLESS the circumstances demanded it AND there was a solid plan to repay that debt. In the case of the Township of Langley, the elected majority of our council, starting with a very public promise during their election campaign; they promised exactly what they have delivered. Mayor Woodward, from his term as councillor during the previous term, knew full well the crisis that the Township of Langley was in and getting into, a serious infrastructure deficit! He knew what Mayor Froese and his council were ignoring, approving endless residential developments without a dollar being spent on the infrastructure that is needed to support it.

He obviously mapped out a responsible financial plan to address that need and how it would be financed, all of that was covered IN MY PREVIOUS BLOG POST!

What is very maddening is we have three members of the current council, Kim Richter, Margaret Kunst and Blair Whitmarsh who have to take responsibility for the current infrastructure deficit we are facing today. Their inaction and that of the previous council was irresponsible for not implementing a Community Amenity Contribution (CAC) program as well as annually increasing Development Cost Charges (DCCs) (to keep up with inflation).

It is estimated that the inaction by the previous municipal government cost the Township of Langley roughly $500 million over 11 years which would have easily covered the necessary costs we are presently facing and trying to make up today.

All of that said we are fortunate in having a council in power that has been able to implement the necessary policies that is covering that infrastructure deficit in a financially responsible way – so it doesn’t fall onto the backs of taxpayers!

As I said in my previous BLOG Post –

When elected to public office….

“You Face the world how you found it, NOT the way you wish it was”!

RG

Protect your Democratic Rights – Protect your NEIGHBORS Democratic Rights – stay informed, stay involved and VOTE!!!

I am working on future posts that I believe are of significant concern to Township of Langley Residents, come back often for news of interest to Township residents.

Share this BLOG; forward it to your friends, neighbors, and relatives! To comment on this post – Click on this Post, top left-hand corner under recent posts.

The above is a philosophy rooted in realism, acceptance, and pragmatic action. It suggests that meaningful change and personal effectiveness only begin when one stops complaining about reality and starts working with the conditions that actually exist. There is no better explanation of what we are dealing with than what exists in the Township of Langley. Our current mayor and the majority of council have met our issues very effectively head on, those issues left for them to deal with thru 11 years of inaction by the previous municipal government, a dark decade! I explain why:

So, what is, and what caused the major issue? In short, the issue is development, the cost of development and cost of the needed essential and critical community infrastructure to support that development. There is an old saying that development doesn’t pay for itself? Well, that is not exactly true, at least since the late 80s and early 90s, if municipalities were keeping up to significant changes, thanks to the City of Vancouver, with the introduction of Community Amenity Contributions (CACs). A legally tested method of negotiated voluntary developer contributions. It took a couple of decades to catch on with Greater Vancouver Municipalities, but today it is in widespread use. Some got it earlier than others!

Just so everyone understands; fees that your municipal government can impose on developers per provincial legislation are called DCCs (Development Cost Charges). These fees pay for on-site services like water, sewer, roads, street lights, sidewalks etc. (NOTE: DCCs should be increased annually at least by inflation so as to be sufficient to pay for services they are intended to pay for when they are needed.) What DCCs are NOT permitted to pay for are pools, recreation centers, ice arenas, dry floor arenas, police, fire, parks (active and passive) and many other needed initiatives required as the population grows. To make it clear, these community amenities have to be paid for by either CACs OR increased property taxes, there is no other choice, which obviously is NOT appropriate nor acceptable. 

As Mayor of the Township of Langley, 2008 – 2011, seeing the volume of development applications we were starting to receive and knowing the inevitable fall out in terms of future infrastructure cost to support that development, I brought in the retired Manager of Real Estate Services for the City of Vancouver. I had strongly proposed an CAC program for the Township of Langley. A seminar for council members was held, outlining and explaining the CAC initiative in detail, and how it would have positive impact on the Township of Langley, unless of course they wanted to fall back, relying on property taxes.

The problem? Our council of the day (2008 / 11) rejected that idea outright. One councillor stated – that’s fine for Vancouver but we don’t do that in the Township of Langley. Really?

Our population started to explode from 2011; with this decision, coupled by councils never ending approval of residential development over the next 11 years, not a dollar was spent on providing critical infrastructure despite endless development approvals; our collective lot in life was secured! Thus, we are feeling that pinch today.

So, let’s let the facts speak for themselves: Take a look at the following population numbers; the anticipated growth in Willoughby alone which to this point is carrying the bulk of the development pressure in the TOL as it holds the majority of available developable land.

• Willoughby population 2011 – was 20,000 residents
• Willoughby population 2026 – is 60,000 residents (+40,000 residents since 2011)
• Willoughby population build out expected to climb to 95,000 residents (+30,000 residents)
• As of 2025 only 53% of the available developable land in Willoughby has been built out!
• 1,000 new students are entering our School District annually, largely concentrated in the Willoughby area!
• Township of Langley Population 2011 – was 104,177 residents
• Township of Langley Population 2026 – is 157,831 residents (+53,654 residents)
• Township of Langley Population 2026 Alternative Est. – 170,000 residents (+65,823 residents)  

The Township of Langley finally introduced a minimal CAC program in 2018, it wasn’t until the election of Mayor Woodward and a majority on council where they immediately passed an upgraded and competitive CAC program after their election in 2022.

It has been roughly estimated that by the Jack Froese Municipal Government not implementing a common-sense CAC program back in 2011, it has cost the Township of Langley and its taxpayers about $500 million (all development in the TOL) during this period.

So, as I said “You Face the world how you found it, NOT the way you wish it was”!

So, to the issue at hand; you run and get elected on a platform promising to provide the critical infrastructure needed as well as a responsible and creative method for paying for that infrastructure; a key component of which was the utilization of debt through MFA (Municipal Finance Authority), reserves, as well as the introduction of a competitive “Community Amenity Contribution” program. The debt is to be paid back through the current as well as against future CACs earnings on development – NOT on the backs of taxpayers!

What has been initiated by Mayor Woodward and the majority of council this term?

“Infrastructure and Road Upgrades”

• 208^th Street Widening 64^th Ave to 82^nd Ave.
• 80^th Ave Widening 204^th to 212^th Streets
• 86^th Ave upgrades and widening initiated between 200^th Street and 202B Street.
• Old Yale Road upgrades: Improvements planned and engineering services funded for the area between Fraser Highway and 216^th Street.
• 200^th Street 2040 Corridor Plan: Started the planning process for the 200^th Street transit corridor to accommodate Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), high density development and housing growth.

“Recreation and Community Facilities”

• Langley Events Centre Expansion (5 Arenas): Planning and construction on a major expansion adding three ice arenas and two dry floor arenas.
• NEW – Willoughby Community Center: Planning began for a major NEW facility at South Yorkson Community Park, featuring a Lap Pool, fitness centre and library. Conducted an in-depth community engagement process and concluded they needed more space than what was available in the first required location. A proposal was put forward by TOL to build a new elementary school next to the Tennis Centre and build the NEW Community Centre on the old school 80^th and 208^th Street. TOL has concluded an MOU with the Province and School Board to build a new elementary school within the Yorkson Community Park.
• Smith Athletic Park (Willoughby): Construction started on Phases 1 & 2 to create a new soccer campus for youth and serving a new middle and high school.
• Noel Booth Community Park upgrades: Funding approved ($7.65 Million) and projects initiated for lighting, drainage, and pedestrian bridges.
• Yorkson Community Park: Further upgrades were completed, including a new parking lot, spray park, and synthetic turf field.

“Housing and Safety”

• BC Builds Housing Projects: Accelerated the development of nearly 250 rental homes on Township-owned land, including a site next to the Willoughby Fire Hall and the former Alder Inn site in Aldergrove.
• Brookswood-Fernridge Fire Hall: Initiated the development of a new fire hall to serve the growing community.
• Jericho Booster Pump Station: Approved $20.1 million in funding to increase the water system capacity in Willoughby.
• Aldergrove Station House: Preserved and transferred a heritage building for community use.

“Strategic Planning and Policy”

• Growth pays for growth: Implemented new financial policies to leverage Development Cost Charges (DCCs) and Developer Contributions (CACs and a new ACCs) to fund infrastructure, reducing the burden on general taxpayers.
• Neighborhood Plan Updates: Accelerated updates to the Booth, Fernridge and Rinn Plans to align with new provincial housing legislation. (Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing)
• Growing Communities Fund: Secured $23.3 million in provincial funding to jumpstart recreational and water infrastructure projects.
• Fraser Highway Widening (24300 – 24600 blocks): Substantially complete, with minor construction, landscaping and final paving running into Spring 2026. Widening to four lanes, adding shared multi-use paths, new signalized intersection, improved lighting improving safety, traffic flow, and upgrade infrastructure in the area.

“Fraser Highway Employment Lands Plan”

• Goal: To expand the industrial land supply to meet regional demand capitalizing on the transportation corridor.
• Development: Council endorsed the Reference Plan in December 2025, which aims to transition rural land into employment areas.
• Focus: The plan focuses on low-emitting, light industrial land uses.
• Next Steps: The final area plan is expected in early 2026, which will be integrated into the Metro Regional Growth Strategy.

In my 51 years of political activism up-close-and-personal with all three levels of government I am thoroughly impressed by our current mayor and the majority on council, their planning and achievements, have largely overcome the disastrous position they found themselves in, taking over from 11 years of disastrous municipal government under Jack Froese. They were creative in overcoming serious infrastructure deficits.

“For those that suggest we should not accept this amount of development”? We do not have a choice as directed by provincial legislation, demanding municipalities speed up the approval process or they will do it for us! With that said, it is totally up to our council to supply a livable environment for our residents in the most financial responsible way possible.

As I said “You Face the world how you found it, NOT the way you wish it was”!

In Summary: I believe I have made my case against a minority of councillors and a small vocal minority in the public who are doing nothing but playing cheap politics (don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story) at the expense of all residents of the Township of Langley.

I am not working for any politician’s campaign but I will not stay silent when I am seeing all of the old traditional Township of Langley political games being played, by many with old ulterior motives with political agendas. I will always speak out and support good government.

I am a former successful large business owner, a former Mayor and Alderman with years of experience on managing municipal budgets, how they are constructed and the games that are played in their construction. I am traditionally a conservative but with a serious social conscience. Fundamentally I don’t like debt unless the situation makes abundant sense with no other alternative. That is the position the Township of Langley is in today. Repeating my headline –

When elected to public office…. “You Face the world how you found it, NOT the way you wish it was”!

Next Blog Post – Our council has gone through the last 3 ½ years with constant obstructionist debate at the council table plus a small but vocal community campaign spreading nothing more than Fake News. A culmination of a lot of that was displayed at the March 9^th and March 23^rd council meetings dealing with 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th readings of the 5-year Financial Plan which was passed on a 5 to 4 vote; however, the story lies in the content of that debate. The pathetic and unbelievable political attempt by the council minority to try to have it both ways – They support the initiatives but then vote against the budget. What is interesting is that three of the four minority members of council were a party to some or all of the 11 years of inaction that got us into this position in the first place. Stay tuned for our next Blog Post! 

RG

Protect your Democratic Rights – Protect your NEIGHBORS Democratic Rights – stay informed, stay involved and VOTE!!!

I am working on future posts that I believe are of significant concern to Township of Langley Residents, come back often for news of interest to Township residents.

Share this BLOG; forward it to your friends, neighbors, and relatives! To comment on this post – Click on this Post, top left-hand corner under recent posts.

A comprehensive poll was conducted, late 2025 regarding the much talked about issue of Municipal / City amalgamation within Metro Vancouver. The issue of a “Mega-Amalgamation” was evenly split which wasn’t surprising however the results of the Langleys tell a different result!

In my January 5^th, 2026 www.langleywatchdog.com Blog Post “What are the REAL facts in the Langley City vs Langley Township relationship…. Why should you care? Why NOW is the time to care? I explain in detail why it makes abundant sense for the two Langleys to amalgamate concluding in a democratic way of making that decision. The result of the following poll adds credence to that initiative – Let the citizens decide!

The following is extracted from a ResearchCo – A Nov. 27^th, 2025 Mario Canseco Press Release https://researchco.ca/2025/11/27/amalgamation/ stated in part:

In the online survey of a representative regional sample, 42% of Metro Vancouverites think the amalgamation of all municipalities into one is a “very good” or “good” idea, while the same proportion (42%) consider it “bad” or “very bad”.

“Residents of the City of Vancouver boast the highest level of support for the creation of an amalgamated Metro Vancouver (46%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The appetite for full amalgamation drops across all other regions.”

More than two-in-five residents of Surrey and White Rock (44%), the North Shore (43%) and four Fraser Valley municipalities (41%) regard the “mega-city” idea positively. The results are lower in Richmond and Delta (39%) and in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities (32%).

Metro Vancouverites aged 18-to-34 and aged 35-to-54 are more supportive of the creation of a “mega-city” (47% each) than their counterparts aged 55 and over (34%).

The survey also asked Metro Vancouverites about six smaller amalgamation proposals.

Seven-in-ten Metro Vancouverites (70%) think it is a “very good” or “good” idea for the Township of Langley and the City of Langley to merge into one municipality, while 62% feel the same way about a city encompassing Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.

Residents of these four Fraser Valley municipalities are particularly welcoming of these two amalgamation proposals, with 68% being in favour of uniting the Township of Langley and the City of Langley and 67% supporting a merger involving Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.

More than half of Metro Vancouverites (54%) view a possible merger of the City of Surrey and the City of White Rock in a positive light—including 57% of respondents who reside in these two cities.”

“Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 14 to November 16, 2025, among 1,501 adults in Metro Vancouver. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Metro Vancouver. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 2.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.”

RG

Protect your Democratic Rights – Protect your NEIGHBORS Democratic Rights – stay informed, stay involved and VOTE!!!

I am working on future posts that I believe are of significant concern to Township of Langley Residents, come back often for news of interest to Township residents.

Share this BLOG; forward it to your friends, neighbors, and relatives! To comment on this post – Click on this Post, top left-hand corner under recent posts.

I have to be honest, prior to moving out to the Township of Langley in 1996, buying our farm, our horses and determined to stay out of politics, I knew nothing about the history about how the split between these two municipalities came about? It was about 10 years later, after getting very annoyed watching how the Township was being politically managed, that I decided to run for Mayor in the 2008 election? Getting elected Mayor began my very fast education of the facts, that brought about this split –

The Township and City of Langley split in 1955 due to fundamental differences in needs, primarily the urban core’s desire for services (like streetlights, sidewalks, sewers) versus the rural farming areas’ reluctance to pay for them, leading to a governance conflict where the growing business center felt ignored by the farmer-controlled council and opted for separate incorporation.

During that 2008 election the single most prevalent question I was asked during the campaign and after the election – “Was I in favour or opposed to the two Langley’s becoming one”? My answer at the time was yes, I was in favour of amalgamation BUT it would have to be decided by public referendum in each municipality and my belief at the time was Township residents would vote yes and City residents would vote no!

That was then, this is now, times are very different, it has been 70 years!

Times have changed, and changed drastically! The FACTS – the Township of Langley’s population has gone from 95,000 in 2008 to 154,000 in 2025, +62% while the City of Langley has gone from 23,643 in 2008 to 35,000 in 2025, +47%. The issues of the original split are no longer relevant and the issues defining a cost-effective municipal government are now very relevant, to the taxpayer! The only other Metro Vancouver municipality with such a population disparity with their neighbor is the City of White Rock vs the City of Surrey.

So, in my view it is either amalgamate OR the City of Langley can stand on its own two feet, pay your way and don’t be a parasite on the backs of Township of Langley taxpayers; however, the second of those choices presents a very serious moral issue – and the City of Langley knows that, are counting on that, and taking advantage of that, going forward.

Up to now the City of Langley has been exploiting its’ past relationship and close proximity to the Township of Langley. The City of Langley has methodically worked at getting the best out of both worlds – staying independent while benefitting from numerous Township of Langley resources at the expense of Township taxpayers, while not contributing an ongoing penny to them! This is unfair and an inequitable imbalance which has been going on for years; too many years!

The City of Langley has not spent money on adequate recreation facilities!

Langley City offers Timm’s Community Centre and Al Anderson Memorial Pool (outdoor pool), plus Douglas Park and Brydon Park with playgrounds, spray parks, and sports courts? Interesting, if you Google Langley City recreation facilities they mention the Langley Events Center as well as other surrounding Township of Langley Recreation Facilities. You have got to be kidding, such limited City of Langley owned recreation facilities for 35,000 residents?

Firefighting?

In 2024, Langley City firefighters reportedly handled significantly more calls per member annually (205 calls) compared to the Metro Vancouver average (64 calls), resulting in a high number of overtime hours. Why are they not hiring a sufficient number of firefighters to look after their volume of calls? The City of Langley once again is depending on Township of Langley firefighters for back up, once again it is just a monetary convenience.

City of Langley Casino Revenue!

The City of Langley receives significant revenue from Cascades Casino Resort, with about $7.9 million annually in Host Local Government Payments for fiscal 2023/2024, contributing to over $120 million total since its opening in 2005, funding infrastructure, community grants, and water/sewer projects. This funding comes from a share of net gaming revenue, supporting various local initiatives and community programs in the city.

“How much did they receive in 2025?”

The Township of Langley is in the process of establishing its own RCMP detachment!

The current move by the Township of Langley to establish their own RCMP detachment is the most adaptable and responsible move to separate from the City of Langley’s influence on the negative cost and negative policing effect on Township of Langley residents. In a similar case the City of White Rock has its own RCMP detachment.

This cannot continue!

A review of Township of Langley prime recreation facilities, not counting the numerous active and passive parks, shows a complete disregard for past agreements and commitments. Remember pools, recreation centers and passive and active parks are net costs to communities, they are ALL subsidized by their taxpayers! Check out the following –

W.C. Blair Recreation Center – The City of Langley and Langley Township had an original agreement, including joint funding and operation, under a past joint commission,with the City helping fund construction and operating it until around 2006 when they exited those agreements and relinquished ownership rights,leaving Township of Langley taxpayers as the primary operator having to carry the full burden of costs for this facility. City of Langley residents frequent this facility, at the same cost and the same rules as Township residents; Is that fair?

McLeod Athletic Park– The City of Langley and the Township of Langley had a long-standing agreement, including joint funding and operation, for McLeod Athletic Park (originally Municipal Athletic Park), a partnership that involved joint recreation commissions and funding deals, although the city eventually pulled out of that funding agreement, leaving Township of Langley as the primary operator. The agreement ended in 2017, the City gave notice it would stop its financial contributions, effectively ending their long-term funding commitment to the Township of Langley leaving Township of Langley taxpayers having to carry the full burden of costs for this facility.  City of Langley residents frequent this facility, at the same cost and the same rules as Township residents; Is that fair?

George Preston Recreation Center– The City of Langley and the Township of Langley had formal cost-sharing agreements for the George Preston Recreation Centre, with the City helping fund its construction and operation for years, though the City eventually withdrew funding for some of these joint facilities to focus on its urban core. This decision ended their long-term funding commitment to the Township of Langley leaving Township of Langley taxpayers having to carry the full burden of costs for this facility. City of Langley residents frequent this facility, at the same cost and the same rules as Township residents; Is that fair?

Active parks and Playfields – By any measure, the Township of Langley has invested significant tax dollars into the implementation and development of ALL WEATHER and lit playfields and many passive parks. City of Langley residents frequent these facilities, at no cost and the same rules as Township residents; Is that fair?

Aldergrove Community Center and Pool – This community center, ice arena and community pool is open to City of Langley residents, at the same cost and the same rules as Township residents; Is that fair?

Walnut Grove Community Center and Pool – This community center, ice arena and community pool is open to City of Langley residents, at the same cost and the same rules as Township residents; Is that fair?

Langley Event Center Ice Arena, Basketball Floor and Multi-Purpose Facility – This community state-of-the-art Multi-Purpose Facility is open to City of Langley residents, at the same cost and the same rules as Township residents; Is that fair?

How do other municipalities deal with this issue?

• North Vancouver City and District – These two municipalities have a similar size population. They established a “North Vancouver Recreation and Culture Commission” that deals with a fair distribution of costs.
• Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody (Tri-Cities) – All three put in place a “Priority Resident Registration”

Minor Sport Organizations?

Membership in a wide range, number and variety of minor sport organizations in the Langley’s’ come from both the City and Township. You could make an argument, although not a moral one, that residents of the city as a member of a sport organization should pay a non-resident fee to participate however that has never been nor should it ever be considered. The only ones hurt in that situation would be the youth; we would all suffer!

So, what is the answer – The only logical solution is Amalgamation!

Weighing ALL the issues; 1) The original reasons for separating into two municipalities just simply does not exist anymore, 2) The Langley Cities initiative to opt out of the previous recreation facility agreements resulted in one-sided cost implications on the backs of Township of Langley taxpayers due to the City of Langley’s irresponsible and unethical decisions, 3) The continued lack of interest by the City of Langley in sharing previously agreed to cost sharing which is now born by Township of Langley taxpayers, once again an irresponsible and certainly not a neighbor friendly act and 4) The obvious and significant administrative cost savings (duplication of ALL department heads) including the need for only one municipal council and one City Hall for both Municipalities; It would be a very responsible move for taxpayers of both municipalities!

Don’t be surprised by the fact that the City of Langley Council will not be in favour!

I wonder why? They are only protecting their interests and their pay cheque, not their city! There is no practical reason to continue with the current alignment, lets start making common sense decisions!

Amalgamation 2026 Referendum? Seeing that we are going into a Municipal Election this year why not make an application to the Provincial Government to conduct an amalgamation referendum for all residents of both municipalities, on this year’s ballot in the 2026 Municipal Election? (This makes sense and would be cost-effective.) – A simple YES or NO ballot would do? The Province of B.C. would be removing themselves from the decision – it would be up to the residents and taxpayers! Having said this, a referendum in a non-election year could also be conducted if timing was an issue.

RG

Protect your Democratic Rights – Protect your NEIGHBORS Democratic Rights – stay informed, stay involved and VOTE!!!

I am working on future posts that I believe are of significant concern to Township of Langley Residents, come back often for news of interest to Township residents.

Share this BLOG; forward it to your friends, neighbors, and relatives! To comment on this post – Click on this Post, top left-hand corner under recent posts.

Our Year End Message: 2025 featured attempts by a vocal minority based out of Fort Langley with an old axe to grind (not the majority in Fort Langley by any means) to try to undercut the work of a hard-working council majority. Our Council faced the challenge of correcting the actions of the Jack Froese DARK DECADE of inaction – in short, approving an endless number of developments with NO corresponding approvals for infrastructure! The need for Roads, recreation facilities, fire halls and community center plans coupled with appropriate Community Amenity Contributions and annually upgraded Development Cost Charges forcing development to ultimately pay for those infrastructure improvements were badly needed and adopted.

Our www.langleywatchdog.comteam spoke out against the ridiculous holding of a by-election (our June 2^nd, 2025 post explains by rationale for our opinion) at a cost to taxpayers of close to $500,000, with no identifiable benefit. The net result of going without a by-election would be going without one councillor for about a year. Ultimately, all of this did not change a thing on council, except for the waste of our tax dollars.

This year we are planning numerous posts dealing specifically with Township of Langley issues that should be of interest to ALL taxpayers. Through this BLOG we are attempting to put forward the truth to counter an ever-increasing volume of FAKE NEWS that seems to have an ever-increasing presence through Social-Media! Ideas to look forward to?

The truth about the issues between the Township of Langley and Langley City?

The truth about Highway #1 widening that our Provincial Government woul;d prefer you did not know?

The real cost of SkyTrain to Langley City made worse by the new Provincial Government housing regulations and new / no parking requirements?

The critical need for a Willoughby Community Center / Pool roadblocked by our School Boards political intransigence (nothing more) in the need for a common sense and safety move of the Willoughby Elementary School over to Township owned property next to the Tennis Center?

Township of Langley Municipal Election News – Regular features on news leading up to and during Township Municipal Election 2026 being held October 17^th, 2026. Stay tuned!

On behalf of our editorial team at Langley Watchdog we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year in 2026!

RG

Protect your Democratic Rights – Protect your NEIGHBORS Democratic Rights – stay informed, stay involved and VOTE!!!

I am working on future posts that I believe are of significant concern to Township of Langley Residents, come back often for news of interest to Township residents.

Share this BLOG; forward it to your friends, neighbors, and relatives! To comment on this post – Click on this Post, top left-hand corner under recent posts.

In a bit of a departure from my normal Blog topics, given the month we are in, I wanted to relate my personal story regarding my diagnosis of Prostate Cancer. It was uncovered by accident, thanks to my wife Carol – to this day I am convinced she saved my life!! Men don’t like to talk about this issue, I get that, but the seriousness of Prostate Cancer cannot be overstated. Life is too important and valuable!

Nine years ago, we had just sold our horse farm and moved to our hoped-for retirement home in Aldergrove. I had Diabetes for a number of years and was under the care of B.C. Diabetes, all of that was under control thanks to that organization. Life was good, health wise, and we had a family doctor. I had a number of aged issues – I was taking medication for – cholesterol, high blood pressure and thyroid but generally speaking we had all of the normal lab tests on an annual basis, and everything was in-line – so we thought?

As I said, we normally had our annual doctor visits and lab tests, but in 2016 I hadn’t been in to see my doctor for two years (not normal) and I received a call from his office that he wanted to see me after I had gone in for the prescribed regular lab tests, a lab requisition he issued at that time. Prior to going into the lab for my tests my wife noticed that our doctor did not check off the PSA test on the Lab Requisition which wasn’t normal (clearly a mistake) – so Carol checked it off prior to me going to the lab. Well, as you will see that catch by her was very significant to my survival to this day!

My next step was to go into see my doctor and get the results – Well, ALL were good EXCEPT my PSA which came back an 8. A physical examination was done and was normal? My earlier PSA tests were in the 3 – 4 range. A general upper limit is a 4 possibly going to 4.5, BUT 8! Yikes! So, the next order of business, my doctor sent me in to get another PSA test in 30 days which I did – the result? A 9, in one month it grew by a full point? An immediate and urgent referral to Dr. Jason Archambault (a Langley Urologist) was in order!

I was scheduled quickly for an appointment with my new specialist Dr. Archambault. Another physical examination by my specialist again was found to be normal but a biopsy procedure was ordered immediately. The results? 12 out of 12 samples taken had cancer cells (some higher than others) – The Gleason score was a 9, (maximum is a 10) which indicates the seriousness of my diagnosis! My cancer was considered aggressive, a very scary situation that left me wondering what was ahead of me, at 70 years old?

The next step? A Bone Scan, a CT Scan, a Lung Xray and blood tests to ensure my cancer had not spread. Thankfully, even with my aggressive Cancer, there were no signs of it spreading – All tests were negative, thank god! It was clear to me that given the increase in my PSA over a one-month period, had Carol not caught the mistake on that requisition and I had gone another year, I doubt I would be here today. The odds were certainly against it.

At this point I want to state that in my experience all Prostate Cancer situations are different, in no way am I recommending any particular treatment, there is a wide variety of treatments available depending on individual needs, circumstances and doctor’s recommendations.

In my case my specialist did not recommend removal of the Prostate due to the aggressive nature of my diagnosis, as there were too many chances of cancer cells spreading due to the operation. The joint- recommendation given to me by my Urologist and my Radiation Oncologist in the Abbotsford Cancer Centre was 30 radiation treatments (5 per week for 6 weeks) in addition to 6 treatments (shots) of Lupron (1 shot every 4 months).

It has been 9 years, I have been tested annually every year with a follow up appointment with my Urologist and so far my last PSA test was 0.03 – virtually non-existent, after nine years!

I cannot express my appreciation enough for the quick, immediate and first-class quality of care I received from start to finish from our health care system and its providers. My final appointment with Dr. Archambault will be September of 2026, 10 years since being diagnosed! A massive thank you to my wife Carol, my doctor, my specialist and my Radiation Oncologist is in order. Life is good at 79 years!

Serious advice – Get checked annually, your life could depend on it, mine did! 

RG

More interesting 2022 Municipal Election News coming soon!

Protect your Democratic Rights – Protect your NEIGHBORS Democratic Rights – stay informed, stay involved and VOTE!!!

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I am in receipt of the court documents with respect to the just released news surrounding a lawsuit filed by Mayor Woodward and two Township of Langley Councillors, against Rich Coleman, 481121 B.C. Ltd., Thomas Martini, Lorval Developments Ltd, Kim Richter, Bob Richter, Micah Haince, Jean Francoi Louis Hardy, Kalim Kassam and John Does 10 -12, as B.C. Supreme Court Action No. S-253300 Amended Notice of Civil Claim dated Sept 3^rd, 2025. While the accusations in the filed action haven’t been proven in court, its content is quite eye popping with respect to what is going on behind the scenes – It is actually very disgusting from a voter’s perspective!   

The apparent revelations and activities and the defendant’s potential involvement surrounding an egregious and anonymous Internet website and Facebook page as described in this action is shocking. ALL residents of the Township of Langley should be outraged. While, as I said, the accusations have not been proven in court, the documents including emails, NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) and other communication contained in this action speak volumes of what has been going on over the last few years. The anonymous Internet Website named “Langley Monitor” and a Facebook site “Langley Township Watch” were the product of cowards distributing fake news, rumor, gossip and innuendo aimed at unduly influencing residents of the Township. It is interesting that as of today those sites have been taken down.

It seems that anonymous websites and Facebook sites are the political vehicles of choice in the Township of Langley when it comes to campaigning against your political opposition, an obvious choice of cowards. On the eve of my election as Mayor In 2008, my losing opponents stated in the press that I would be a one term Mayor and they would not cooperate with me! I defeated Mayor Kurt Alberts but all of his council were reelected. Within 30 days of my election, my opposition had set up an anonymous website called the “Langley Record”. It distributed the same fake news, rumor, gossip and innuendo. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to positively identify those responsible although I believe I could name all responsible. They were successful in defeating me in the next election. It is interesting that some of the names of people I was fighting are still around today and their politics are just as dirty.

Having said the above, the apparent actions and/or involvement by Defendant, Township of Langley Councillor Kim Richter, in supplying and/or working with the purveyors of the anonymous Internet website and Facebook site is particularly egregious. Mainly because of the content published in effect that challenged the staff of the Township of Langley with respect to the purchase of the fire equipment in question. In my view this is a total breach of a council members ethical responsibility to Township staff in particular, as well as to members of our sitting council. Aside from the results of this court action (whatever it may be) she should be publicly censored by council at the very least for this apparent serious transgression.

To give you some insight into Township of Langley politics I am re-publishing a portion of a Blog Post I published within my first about 170 posts of langleywatchdog.com back on January 30^th, 2013! The following is a verbatim repeat of that post as it pertains to an individual who is a defendant in the recently made public court action.

The following is interesting in light of the most recent of many dim-witted actions by our resident bully Rich Coleman. In February of 2008, after my public announcement that I was running for Mayor, out of courtesy I sent a message by email and/or voice mail to ALL sitting councillors as well as MLAs Mary Polak and Rich Coleman. The response – I heard from and met with four councillors and MLA Rich Coleman. At this point I will relate an interesting conversation I had with Rich Coleman. For the record I would swear an affidavit to the validity of the following, a lie detector test if required. It was in February of 2008 and in response to my message and request for a meeting, I received a call from Rich Coleman’s office to set up a meeting in his then Aldergrove office. On my arrival (interesting that then Councillor Jordan Bateman was hanging out in Coleman’s office) when I got there. We went into his boardroom with just two of us in the meeting. We got into it right off the top:

Rich Coleman: So what is this meeting about?

Rick Green: I just wanted to drop by and introduce someone who is running for Mayor.

Rich Coleman: Well, WE are OK with the job the Mayor is doing.

Rick Green: Well, WE are not!

Rich Coleman: I want you to know two things; the CAO (Mark Bakken – Chief Administrative Officer) is a good friend of mine

Rick Green: That’s interesting

Rich Coleman: And you have been making noises about land deals, and I want you to know WE are OK with them

Rick Green: Well, WE are not, it is bull shit and it is going to stop.

After that frosty exchange, I was surprised that the meeting lasted a while longer. Believe me, there was no doubt that I was not his choice for Mayor, (Somehow, I don’t think I fit his mold of “do as I say”) but then again, I could have cared less. He was the last person in the world I was trying to impress. The haunting question from that meeting that still remains unanswered is, WHO was Rich Coleman referring to with respect to “WE” being OK with the mysterious land deals, and “WE” being OK with the then Mayor Kurt Alberts. Who is ”WE”? Just asking the question? The Establishment? WHO? Very interesting comment which probably tells a lot!

Summary: When you view Township of Langley politics it is intuitive to view it from a stand point of a fact based past. I have written extensively on a wide range of questionable issues and decisions driven by long time insiders in our community. Take a look at www.langleywatchdog.com I have exposed MANY improper decisions, all FACT based, that shines a light on poor and questionable governance over many, many years. The Supreme Court Action stated above speaks to the ongoing activity by some who in my opinion are trying to regain a power base on council that would bring us back to the way it was through devious and anonymous means, you know – “Don’t let the Facts Get In The Way Of A Good Story!”

The current Mayor and his members of council are doing an excellent job under very difficult circumstances – making up for a lost decade under the previous Mayor and Council by building out our infrastructure, (roads, fire hall, parks and recreation facilities) that has long been forgotten. During the previous decade we had a council that was great at approving development (a dramatic increase in population) while ignoring the obvious critical infrastructure needs. The previous council did not address annual increases in DCCs (Development Cost Charges) or the need for CACs (Community Amenity Contributions), all of that which is necessary to take the load off of existing property taxpayers.

Over that last dark decade, the Township of Langley has lost out on an estimated $500 million in development related revenue by not addressing the DCC and CAC issue as opposed to taxpayers having to pay the bill. The current council changed the DCC and ACC issue as one of their first actions when elected and have been progressive in providing those services and considerations our residents demand, ultimately paying for the infrastructure costs out of development DCC and CAC revenue.

SPECIAL NOTE re Court documents – I have them available and can email them to anyone wishing to receive them. There are four PDF files, they are too large to send via one email so I will have to send them in two separate emails. If you wish to receive copies of this court action, please reply via return email requesting same. Email creeksidefarms@shaw.ca

RG

Protect your Democratic Rights – Protect your NEIGHBORS Democratic Rights – stay informed, stay involved and VOTE!!!

I am working on future posts that I believe are of significant concern to Township of Langley Residents, come back often for news of interest to Township residents.Share this BLOG; forward it to your friends, neighbors, and relatives! To comment on this post – Click on this Post, top left-hand corner under recent posts

My first political activism was the Provincial election of 1975, followed by 50 years being very involved politically at every level – municipal, provincial and federal in Delta and then the Township of Langley, since 1996. One absolute truism I have discovered over 50 years; there is no such thing as a coincidence in politics, every action has a reason and/or motivation behind it – good idea or not!

What this issue is “NOT” about, despite protestations to the contrary – “The need for legislation prohibiting a person serving in two elected positions municipally and provincially – we agree with that!” All of that aside, there have been numerous individuals in our long history that served both positions until the end of their mandates! A change has often been talked about but never acted upon, until now.

What “IS” in dispute and ignored for political reasons by the NDP – When deciding to run, every political candidate must adhere to a wide variety of rules, regulations and legislation. They make their decision to run, based on the rules, regulations and legislation in effect at that time. Voters make their decisions as to who to vote for based on what they hear from candidates! Changing the rules 2/3^rd of the way through a municipal mandate ignores the fact that the candidate was asked and answered many times through the provincial election, if elected, she would serve both positions and not force an expensive by-election. Those were the rules she ran by! The arguments used against her by a small local “Cabal” of anti-local government agitators like making a double income and her being in a conflict of interest is nothing but pure political BS!  

This is an NDP Party action; Don’t be fooled by a Private Members Bill! – This bill was put forward by an NDP MLA as a Private Members Bill, inspired and promoted by a small local and vocal Township Cabal of anti-local government individuals, with strong ties and influence by those very involved and connected to the now defeated and departed Township of Langley NDP. While they could do nothing about the election result, Councilor Misty Van Popta defeating then NDP MLA Megan Dykeman, they act as petulant children and attempt to cause as much disruption as possible to the detriment of taxpayers.

Some politicians, when defeated just can’t get over their rejection by voters! Message to the just defeated NDP – Your defeat was all about POOR performance, locally and provincially. You did not listen!

This Private Members Bill is an effort to disguise and distance the NDP from being the real author of this legislation. WHY? Let’s explain!

It is simple, Politics; a little history in brief! I am a life-long conservative supporter, but not at any cost. I have spent at least 45 of my 50 years fighting against the NDP in one fashion or another. In March of 2017, pre-election, a few of us had the opportunity to meet with John Horgan – we had a very enlightening 2-hour meeting with him and his provincial campaign manager. That meeting, in our collective opinion showed him to be a very balanced and pragmatic leader, quite different from those that preceded him. After that meeting I, through this BLOG, supported and endorsed the NDP. While we weren’t successful locally, John Horgan led a Minority Government thanks to a working agreement with the Green Party.

John Horgan leads a majority government – election of 2020!

It is instructive to be guided by the facts behind the results of an election. In our view, John Horgan’s balanced and pragmatic leadership led to his majority election of 2020, he and his party received our endorsement in this BLOG who fully supported our local candidate. John had the ability to neutralize the far left of his party for the benefit of the majority of our province. The failed B.C. Liberal Party and its inept leadership helped significantly in a very divided electorate. For the purposes of this BLOG report, I will deal with election results for the Fraser Valley – Cloverdale East to Chilliwack in a seat comparison and party % of the popular vote and Fraser Valley East compared to the Provincial number.

Under John Horgan’s Balanced and Pragmatic leadership

2017 – Liberals 8 seats – % of vote 40.37% – NDP 0 seats – % of vote 40.29%

2020 – Liberals 2 seats – % of vote 36.60% – NDP 6 seats – % of vote 42.40%

NOTE – The 2020 election was historic for the NDP in the Fraser Valley. For the first time in history, they won both seats in Chilliwack, both seats in the Langleys, one in Cloverdale and one in Abbotsford/Mission under John Horgan.

Under David Eby’s Autocratic leadership

2024 – Conserv. 9 seats – % of vote 59.5% – NDP 0 seats – % of vote 31.50%

Compare the Cloverdale East popular vote (above)

With The Provincial popular vote (below)

2020 – Liberals % of vote 36.6% – NDP % of vote 42.4% – John Horgan

2024 –Conserv. % of vote 43.28% – NDP % of vote 44.87% – David Eby

NOTE – Recap: The NDP popular vote in the Fraser Valley was 15% below the NDP’s provincial popular vote.

Does the passing of this legislation also send a message for another reason?

In the attempt to find a solution to our housing shortage we have two individuals with absolutely NO background or knowledge of Municipal Government, specifically Premier David Eby and Minister Ravi Kahlon, arbitrarily introducing Housing Bills 44, 46 and 47 and now Infrastructure Bills 14 and 15 with NO consultation and all power in the Premier’s office? A complete reversal from John Horgan’s accepted style of leadership to David Eby’s autocratic style. They have received wide-spread condemnation for this action from the private and public sector. No consultation and no consideration of underlying issues, like infrastructure and ability to pay.

The Township of Langley, despite being one of the fastest growing municipalities in the province and the country (we are all experiencing that) continues to be criticized by the province that they have to do more! No help with infrastructure, and criticism of our DCC (Development Cost Charges) rates and CAC (Community Amenity Cost Charges) rates which I might remind everyone are competitive with surrounding municipalities? What are they thinking? Who else is going to pay for water, sewer, roads, police, fire, community recreation services, parks, schools and so much more? There are only two answers to solve this problem if DCCs and CACs are reduced – either Senior levels of government step forward to cover those costs OR you the taxpayer will have to cover them! No other choice!

Summary – Forcing a by-election on the Township of Langley is a cost to you the taxpayer. Spending up to $500,000 for a needless by-election, changing the rules in midstream, is a complete waste of money and quite frankly unfathomable, just to satisfy some gotcha politics – that is all it is about! Just so everyone is aware, an amendment was offered to make this legislation effective after the current municipal mandate, just over a year away – It was rejected! Let’s all remember this move when it comes to the upcoming by-election. We will be covering it here!     

To VIEW this BLOG Post click on – www.langleywatchdog.com

Please share the above BLOG Post with neighbors, friends and relatives – it is a factual read!

Rick Green

Former Mayor of the Township of Langley

Elections are supposed to be about openness, debate, and accountability. But in Abbotsford–South Langley, voters are being denied all three – not just by a candidate who refuses to show up, but by a party that’s actively shielding him.

Sukhman Singh Gill, the Conservative Party’s appointed candidate, has refused to attend any all-candidates meetings. He’s declined local media interviews, scrubbed almost all of his social media, and made no effort to connect with voters. Why the silence? Look at how he became the candidate.

No debates. No questions. No answers – it’s an affront to democracy.

Voters in Abbotsford–South Langley deserve a representative they can trust. But the Conservative Party’s appointed candidate, Sukhman Singh Gill, has a record that raises serious questions—and so far, he’s refused to answer them.

Did You Know?  Gill was chosen with just 15% Support!

Did You Know?  Gill was a Trudeau Liberal for Nine Years as a Poll worker!

Did You Know?  Gill was rejected by Local Conservatives!

Did You Know?  Gill is Hiding from Voters!

Did You Know?  Gill is a 24-year old Student, No Real-World Experience!

Did You Know?  Gill was a Candidate for the Township of Langley Council Municipal Election in 2022. He came 22^nd out of 28 candidates.

Is this about serving the people of Abbotsford–South Langley—or securing a political future in a riding, Ottawa thinks is “safe”?

And what does it say about the Conservative Party when it ignores its own members, silences local voices, and installs a candidate with no track record, no platform, and no accountability?

In a time of rising costs, global instability, and deep political frustration, we can’t afford guesswork and on-the-job training. We need steady, proven leadership from someone who actually knows how to get things done.

We deserve a leader who stands up—not someone who hides.
We deserve someone who reflects our values—not someone who’s spent years backing Trudeau.
We deserve someone ready to serve on Day 1—not someone still figuring it out.

Stay informed. Ask questions. Demand better. Abbotsford–South Langley deserves more than this.

Abbotsford–South Langley deserves a leader who’s accountable, experienced, and ready to serve—not someone who hides behind the party logo.

Stay informed. Ask questions. Demand better. Abbotsford–South Langley deserves more than this.

In Abbotsford South-Langley ELECT Mike de Jong –

Experience that will get things done!

To VIEW this BLOG Post click on – www.langleywatchdog.com

Please share the above BLOG Post with neighbors, friends and relatives – it is a factual read!

Rick Green

Former Mayor of the Township of Langley

In a display of his commitment to the residents of Abbotsford South-Langley and the greater South of Fraser region, Mike de Jong is showing his knowledge of the issues and what is needed to make the lives of our residents so much better. Knowing first hand, our communities’ significant needs and its deficits, and having an MP that knows how to solve those problems is critical!

Mike de Jong – “I am making this commitment for three main reasons”–

1) Environment (improving the air quality in the Fraser Valley Airshed is critical.)

2) Transportation and public transit (removing cars off of Highway #1 is critical.)

3) Housing (Effective, affordable and convenient transit is required to support the ever-increasing growth and demand for housing throughout the South of Fraser region.)

This initiative will correct these serious issues in a very significant way. Mike de Jong made this announcement at last weeks’ All-Candidate’s meeting in Aldergrove – a meeting, I might add, that the Conservative candidate failed to show up!

So, what is this Rail Corridor that Mike de Jong is talking about? The public have available to them a publicly owned 99 KM rail corridor, with protected passenger rights at no-cost for its use, running between the Pattullo Bridge SkyTrain station and the City of Chilliwack. This rail corridor connects 16 Communities, 14 post-secondary institutions, the Abbotsford International Airport, major industrial parks, Tourism and Agri-Tourism through a Spine and Rib transit system similar to what was done in Metro Vancouver with SkyTrain connecting to local bus routes. This rail corridor by design protects our Fraser Valley agricultural land base at a very affordable (all in) cost of $18.6 M per KM vs $437.5 M per KM for the Surrey to Langley SkyTrain? A reactivated Interurban’s per capita cost is $1,541 vs $35,000 per capita for Surrey to Langley SkyTrain! It can be up and running in 3 – 4 years maximum.

The best way to understand this priceless opportunity is to watch the following video that creatively tells the whole story and why it just makes common sense –

4 Minute Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQR5c_8oyDA&t=18s

Unprecedented Support? ResearchCo Poll – 88% Public Support N. Delta to Chilliwack (May 2021), All Post Secondary Institutions (South of Fraser Community Rail Task Force (2009), All South of Fraser Cities and Municipalities, LMLGA (Lower Mainland Local Government Association) unanimous support (2024), Surrey Board of Trade, Hydrogen B.C., B.C. Indigenous Housing Society, Brad West Chair TransLink Mayors Council, B.C. Premier John Horgan Sept./22, UBC Professor Patrick Condon, UBCO Professor Gordon Lovegrove.

Mike de Jong – “I am in receipt of three critical documents that support my position. I have received and thoroughly reviewed – 1) The B.C. Hydro / CP Rail Master Agreement (circa 1988), 2) The B.C. Government Fraser Valley Regional Rail Pre-Feasibility Study (circa July 8^th, 2022) and 3) The SFCRS Community Business Case (circa June /23). All of these reinforce this outstanding opportunity.”

Mike de Jong – “Why have we not acted? I will take action in Ottawa as your Member of Parliament using my 30 years of long-standing knowledge, connections and relationships to see this project through. If a corridor and opportunity like this was available in Greater Toronto, it would have been in operation years ago.”

For additional information go to the following sites –

South Fraser Community Rail Society Web Site

https://www.southfrasercommunityrail.ca/

South Fraser Community Rail Society Facebook site:

https://www.facebook.com/connectthevalley

South Fraser Community Rail Society You Tube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@southfrasercommunityrail5797

Please share the above BLOG Post with neighbors, friends and relatives – it is a factual read!

Rick Green – Former Mayor of the Township of Langley