Langley’s two mayors summed up activities in each municipality in their annual “state of Langley” addresses to the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce on March 20.
Langley Township Mayor Jack Froese summarized the Township’s commitment to a business-friendly atmosphere. He said there are more than 7,300 businesses operating in the Township, and “we understand what’s important to make your business grow and be more productive.”
He said the Township had implemented the mobile business licence program, advocated for by the chamber for several years, as a pilot project and “it has been very successful thus far.”
The Township hosted a lunch for the new Fraser Valley chapter of the Urban Development Institute, and Froese said the chapter will be an active participant in promoting economic development.
The Township population of about 109,000 people is expected to double in the next 30 years. The Township is getting prepared for growth, by adding on to Langley Events Centre, building a new water line to East Langley to serve Aldergrove and Gloucester Estates and working on the Mufford overpass over the rail line on the City-Township border.
Economic growth plans include expansion of Langley Airport and strategies to improve agricultural activity in Langley.
“We will manage growth at reasonable rates to keep Langley sustainable,” he said. “Langley Township is no longer a bedroom community. It is thriving.”
Langley City Mayor Peter Fassbender said the City has a vision for the future, through its Downtown Master Plan, and now there is action on that plan.
The City is involved in a brownfields redevelopment strategy, a B.C. first.
Among the projects now underway are redevelopment of McBurney Lane, something City council has just dealt with. A new shopping and restaurant complex is under construction at 200 Street and Highway 10, anchored by a Cactus Club restaurant.
High-end auto dealers were looking at locating in Surrey, but the City has convoked a number of them to locate in an area at the east end of Langley Bypass. A Porsche dealership is coming, and a Mercedes-Benz dealership is under construction.
Meanwhile, longtime Langley car dealer Preston GM is just finishing a major renovation project and has invested millions of dollars to upgrade its business.
Fassbender said all the development in Langley City has added $268 million in assessment since the City began its comprehensive planning for the future, and “there is more to come.”
