23 Major Initiatives and Achievements of 2023

Township of Langley Council completed several major initiatives and other projects during 2023, with many more currently underway. These initiatives will improve livability, public safety, recreation facilities and services, parks spaces, transportation, community development, and more, to better prepare the Township for future growth and success.

"This year Council worked very hard, with support from staff, to approve and launch several new infrastructure projects, public safety initiatives, transportation improvements, and other community projects to enhance the overall livability of the Township of Langley, and we will continue this work in 2024 and beyond.” - Mayor Eric Woodward

 23 Major Initiatives and Achievements of 2023

1. Township 15th on Canada's Most Livable Cities List - The Township ranked #15 of Canada’s most liveable cities, and #5 in BC, in the Globe and Mail’s 2023 top 100 list of most liveable cities. Read more.
2. The Township Turned 150 Years Old - The Township of Langley turned 150 since the official date of incorporation (April 26, 1873) and celebrated with a multi-day, community-focused festival. Read more.
3. New Five-Arena Complex - Council announced the addition of three new ice arenas and two new dry floor arenas located at the Langley Events Centre to meet the community's growing needs. Read more.
4. 208 Street Phase One and Two Construction Funding Approved - Council approved $33.2 million for the phase 1 construction of 208 Street from 64 Avenue to 72 Avenue and the design of 208 Street from 72 Avenue to 76 Avenue and the 212 Street Connector from 208 Street to 80 Avenue. Read more. Subsequently, Council approved $23.7 million to construct phase 2 of the 208 Street and Willowbrook Connector widening project. Read more.
5. Yorkson Community Park Upgrades - Council approved $20.5 million for major upgrades and additions to Yorkson Community Park including a spray park, playground, picnic area, parking lot, washroom facilities, rugby/soccer field, lacrosse synthetic turf field and warm-up area, and parking. Read more.
6. Noel Booth Community Park Upgrades - Council approved $7.65 million for existing field upgrades and overall improvements at Noel Booth Community Park including new lighting, fences, drainage, trail enhancements, raised pedestrian bridges, and more. Read more.
7. Initiation of a Voluntary Water Metering Program for Residential Areas - Council directed staff to complete a review of the current water metering process and report to Council with a potential, new multi-year voluntary program to start in 2025 that would help existing single family residential and/or other urban property type owners save money if they use less water.
8. Parks and Recreation Enhancements - Council approved $1.26 million for amenities at Willoughby Community Park, Aldergrove Athletic Park, and George Preston Recreation Centre. Read more. Council also approved $2.1 million in funding for the construction of the Donna Gabriel Robins Park beside Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary. Read more.
9. Action Initiated on Widening 202 and 203 Street - Council directed staff to bring forward a report on a road widening project to complete several roads in this area. Read more.
10. Community Centre Expansion Planning - Council directed staff to begin considering a potential expansion of the Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre (ACUCC). Read more.
11. Old Yale Road Improvements - Council initiated public engagement on the upgrade of Old Yale Road between Fraser Highway and 216 Street, and approved engineering services funding. Read more.
12. 200 Street 2040 Corridor Planning Initiated - The 200 Street 2040 corridor planning process began to help make the Township an even better place to live, work, play, learn and do business. Read more.
13. Bus Rapid Transit on 200 Street - Council supported Bus Rapid Transit along the 200 Street corridor, connecting the Carvolth Transit Exchange with Willowbrook and the future Skytrain line. Read more.
14. Action to Reduce Energy Emissions - To help reduce energy emissions, Council approved the elevation of BC Energy Step Codes and the addition of Zero Carbon Step Code requirements. Read more.
15. Childcare Facilities Planning - The Township, in partnership with the Province’s New Spaces Fund, gathered input from the public to assist in locating several potential new childcare facilities. Read more.
16. Brookswood-Fernridge Neighbourhood Plans and Horne Pit Concepts - Council approved the Brookswood-Fernridge Neighbourhood Plans (BFNP), and requested conceptual layouts for Horne Pit, including a new fire hall in that area. Read more.
17. Williams Neighbourhood Plan - Council approved the Williams Neighbourhood Plan on December 4, 2023, with amendments after public consultation. Read more.
18. Fraser Highway Employment Lands Area Plan - Council endorsed the Terms of Reference for the Fraser Highway Employment Lands Area Plan and initiated the environmental assessment and liaising process with Metro Vancouver staff.
19. Future Vision for the Township’s Waterfront Lands in Fort Langley - The Township gathered current feedback from the public to help guide a vision for the Waterfront Lands in Fort Langley. Learn more.
20. New Willoughby Development Phasing Policy - Council approved the Willoughby Development Phasing Policy which includes a framework for phasing residential and mixed-use development applications based on schools, roads, and other infrastructure needs.
21. Community Police Office Opened - In support of public safety, crime prevention and reduction, and community outreach, the Langley RCMP and Township of Langley opened a Community Police Office in North Langley. Read more.
22. Investments in Fire Protection and New Fire Chief Sworn In – To keep firefighters and community members safe, Council approved $1.4 million in funding for several important fire protection infrastructure and support needs. Read more. The Township's new Fire Chief Jason de Roy was officially sworn in during a Change of Command ceremony. Read more.
23. New Energy Saving Streetlights – The Township converted approximately 7,000 streetlights from HPS to LED lighting to make roads and sidewalks safer at night and reduce streetlight energy requirements saving an anticipated $380,000 per year. Read more.

To learn more about many other projects, initiatives and achievements, visit our news page.