For City of Langley Regular Council meeting of December 2, 2024.
Please note these are not the official minutes, but rather, highlights of items approved by Council and do not reflect all items considered by Council at the meeting.
Economic Development Strategy (EDS)
Council approved and adopted the “2024 Economic Development Strategy, Be. Enterprising”, as a replacement for the 2016 Economic Development Strategy; and directed staff to commence implementation of the strategy and provide an annual progress report to Council.
Budget Transparency
Council passed the following motion:
WHEREAS transparency of the budget process and public awareness of deliberations on items not covered within Section 90 of the Community Charter is a paramount principle of good governance;
AND WHEREAS Closed Meeting agenda items and discussions should be strictly limited to those permitted to occur in a Closed Meeting format;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that council conduct budget deliberations in Open Meetings of Council; AND that council consider Service Level Increments (increases) in Closed Meetings, as necessary, but only as strictly permitted under Section 90 of the Community Charter.
Inclusionary Zoning
Council passed the following motion:
WHEREAS we recognize that several years into a housing crisis – with billions of dollars spent through Federal and Provincial housing initiatives, the issue of accessing local affordable housing in Langley City remains a challenge, still out of reach for many – especially our most vulnerable populations.
AND WHEREAS Langley City to date lacks clear policy and supportive bylaws surrounding Inclusionary Zoning which through its provision would provide the City the ability to substantially secure and support a socially diverse, economically sustainable environment with affordable housing now and in the future.
AND WHEREAS the Province with the introduction of Bill 16 - Housing Statutes Amendment Act (Third Reading on the 10th day of April, 2024 ) provides these enablement’s to local municipalities; and further with Metro Vancouver Regional District providing an in-depth report, “A Regional Model for Inclusionary Housing - Final Report, February 29, 2024” which highlights the effectiveness of inclusionary zoning.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to research and provide a report back to council on a local policy framework for inclusionary zoning; such that can further be considered by Council for adoption in the upcoming zoning bylaw update.