Langley City council, March 23: an 8-lot subdivision turned down, a transportation plan to 2050 and a split over RCMP costs

Development permits are usually the quiet part of a council meeting. This time one was voted down.

An 8-lot subdivision is defeated

Development Permit 11-22 would have allowed an 8-lot subdivision at 20525 and 20541 46A Avenue. After discussion, it was defeated, with Mayor Pachal and Councillors James, Mack, Solyom and Wallace opposed.

The minutes don’t record the reasons. What’s worth knowing is how unusual this is: a development permit deals with the form and character of a project that zoning already allows, so councils turn them down far less often than rezonings. The agenda package has the staff report and drawings for anyone who wants to see what was proposed.

Transportation 2050

Council endorsed the final Transportation 2050 plan, the City’s long-range plan for streets, transit, walking and cycling, as SkyTrain arrives. It shapes what gets built and budgeted for over the next 25 years. It’s the plan that a slow-streets motion leaned on a few weeks later (see our April 13 recap).

Invest Langley City and the RCMP question

The CAO reported on the update and public engagement process for Invest Langley City. Two motions tried to widen it, and both failed:

• A referral sending the report back so projections would include other cost pressures, including the potential cost of moving away from the integrated RCMP model, plus inflation and status-quo increases, “so residents have a true picture.” It was defeated, with the mayor and Councillors Albrecht, James, Solyom and Wallace opposed. There was a point of order along the way; the chair’s ruling was appealed and upheld.
• A motion to include RCMP cost impacts in the tax-impact conversations. It was defeated, with everyone but Councillor Mack opposed.

The report itself was then received. The minutes don’t record the reasons on either side. The question behind both motions, what a change to the integrated RCMP detachment could cost City taxpayers, is still open. For background, see our guide to the Langley RCMP.

Metro 2050

Council sent Metro Vancouver a letter commenting on proposed amendment options to the regional growth strategy, Metro 2050, in response to a request from the South of Fraser mayors. Councillor Mack was opposed.

Project Black Feather

Councillor White’s motion supporting Project Black Feather carried. It’s a joint early-intervention program of the City, the Township and School District 35 for young people at risk of disengagement, exploitation and gang involvement. The motion’s preamble says it has supported more than 400 young people, with more than 150 showing positive changes, and it referenced the federal Building Safer Communities Fund, which had a March 31 deadline.

Bylaws adopted

• Fire Protection and Safety Bylaw 3330, replacing the old fire bylaw.
• Fees and Charges amendment 3331.

Two more got three readings: Development Application Procedures Bylaw 3335, which sets out how applications are processed, and Fees amendment 3337. Both were adopted April 13.

More background: How development gets approved · City efficiency review