langleywatchdog…. and more!

Silly season, aka the municipal election campaign, is bringing irresponsible accusations into campaign advertising, featuring OBFUSCATED / Political Speak that – talks a lot, says little and commits to doing nothing! Accountability should mean a lot to everyone, but its true meaning is wide ranging and should be readily understood.

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

In politics, the most often misused and misunderstood word in politics is “Accountability”! It is a convenient word to use if you want to use Political Speak to skip over, misrepresent, do not understand OR don’t know the facts surrounding the management of a municipality.

So, what should Accountability really mean to you, the voter and taxpayer?

Accountability            To fulfill election promises!

Accountability            To provide sufficient Fire and Police protection for a safe community!

Accountability            To provide sufficient parks and recreation facilities for the population!

Accountability            To provide the necessary infrastructure for any increases in population!

Accountability            To provide municipal services needed for the population!

Accountability            If Debt is required, ensure development pays for that debt, not property tax!

Accountability            To have a forward-thinking plan beyond your current mandate!

Accountability            To manage government expenses keeping property taxes as low as possible!

By my measure and performance rating, of our current municipal government, they have succeeded in all of the above. As a previous BLOG Post states –

Focusing on debt IGNORES the incompetence of past councils, it IGNORES 60,000 NEW resident’s needs, it IGNORES the critical lack of infrastructure and it IGNORES the fact new development will pay for the debt incurred – NOT your property tax dollar!

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 Township of Langley that holds the majority of available developable land. Your municipal council has been accountable in providing ALL of the above to ALL of the following!

Look at the change in just 15 years while recognizing this council is making up for a dark decade of inaction!

• 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 total Population 2011 – was 104,177 residents

• Township of Langley total 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 Community Amenity Contribution (CAC) program in 2018, it wasn’t until the election of Mayor Woodward and a majority on council that they immediately passed an upgraded and competitive CAC program after their election in 2022 to pay for the needed infrastructure. Surrounding municipalities took this action years earlier!

It has been roughly estimated that the Municipal Government 2011 – 2022, by not implementing a common-sense CAC program in 2011 and an annual upgraded DCC program (rate of inflation) 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, and now the ACC program. That debt is to be paid back through the current as well as the future CAC and ACC 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 84th Ave. Finished fall of 2026.
• 80^th Ave Widening 204^th to 212^th Streets
• 86^th Ave upgrades and widening initiated between 200^th Street and 202B Street.
• Numerous Traffic Calming Measures throughout the Township of Langley.
• 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 / Pool Complex: Planning began for a major NEW facility in Willoughby. Conducted an in-depth community engagement process and concluded more space was needed than what was available in the first 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 with underground parking. 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 North: Further upgrades were completed, including a new parking lot, spray park, and synthetic turf field.
• Yorkson Community Park South: Funding approved and construction starting fall of 2026 for road connecting 80^th and 82^nd, playground, rubberized walking / running track, playground, picnic and seating area and more.

“Housing and Safety”

• Two 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. When completed, owned TOL developments with rental income supporting TOL taxpayers.
• 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): Completed! Widened 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.

Summary: 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, for their planning and their achievements. Their pro-active attack on governing have largely overcome the disastrous position they found themselves in with a serious infrastructure deficit, taking over from 11 years of complete inaction.

RG

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

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