Langley City council, July 13: signing on for flood resilience, two murals and where the next schools go

Twenty minutes. That’s how long this one ran, and most of it was over items that will matter for years: flooding, school land and who gets a break on property tax.

Langley City signs the Lower Fraser flood statement

The Lower Fraser Floodplains Coalition asked council to sign its Joint Statement for Action on Floodplain Resilience in the Lower Mainland. The statement asks the provincial and federal governments for a dedicated, long-term flood resilience program for the Lower Fraser, stable funding instead of project-by-project grants, regional coordination, investment in critical infrastructure and nature-based solutions, and support for First Nations and local government leadership. Council voted to sign it and advocate to both senior governments.

Why it matters in a city that isn’t on the big river: the Nicomekl runs right through Langley City, and its floodplain runs through the city. The Township heard the same coalition at its own meeting that afternoon (see our Township July 13 recap).

Permissive tax exemptions for 2027

Bylaw 3343 got three readings. It lists the properties, mostly non-profits, churches and community groups, that won’t pay the City’s share of property tax in 2027. Every exemption is a cost spread across other taxpayers, which is why the list is set by bylaw each year in public. It was on the July 27 agenda for final reading.

Where the next schools go

Council accepted School District 35’s 2026 Eligible School Sites Proposal. It’s a required step in setting School Site Acquisition Charges, the per-unit fee paid when new homes are built that helps the district buy land for schools. The staff report notes the City’s growth projection dropped from 6,141 new units last year to 4,041, because of a development slowdown and some projects no longer going ahead. But the district’s overall projection of new students barely moved, because the Township is expecting more apartments and SD35 expects more students per apartment.

Two murals

Council approved a mural at A Bread Affair by artist Leslie Phelan, and $12,000 from the Public Art Fund for a mural on the Douglas Park outdoor washroom showing the people and events that fill the park.

Surrey’s land-use change

A Metro Vancouver notice about a proposed regional plan amendment for 105-175A Street in Surrey, which would remove an Employment designation, was referred to staff, with council noting its concern about losing employment land.

Councillor Wallace reported that the Global Festival on July 11 drew more than 2,000 people.

More background: How to read a council agenda · Langley school system explained