Walkable communities, the future of housing and commercial/industrial markets, and the economic forecast will be discussed with business professionals from throughout the Lower Mainland when the Township of Langley hosts its third annual economic forum.
The forum, which will be held next Thursday (Oct. 24), will highlight the Township’s livability in light of local real estate markets and economic conditions, now and in the years to come.
Recently featured in BC Business Magazine as the “Hub of the Fraser Valley,” the Township of Langley “takes pride in developing neighborhoods that offer affordable and flexible housing, employment opportunities, and the chance to enjoy an exceptional quality of life,” said Township of Langley economic development manager Gary MacKinnon.
“With a dramatic increase in population predicted over the next few decades, the Township has a vision to maintain its livable, sustainable community and healthy economy in the years ahead,” he said. “The annual economic forum is a chance to hear from experts and local authorities about what the business community can expect as we move towards that future.”
Last fall, more than 300 attendees came out to the Forum — which included participation from the Urban Development Institute, Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce, Township business organizations, and other groups — to learn about business and investment opportunities in the Township.
This year, the livability and walkability features that make the Township a unique business location will be spotlighted by guest speaker Dan Burden, co-founder of the Walkable and Livable Communities Institute. Burden has spent more than 35 years helping the world get “back on its feet” and his efforts earned him the first-ever lifetime achievement awards issued by the New Partners for Smart Growth and the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals. As well, Burden was named “one of the six most important civic innovators in the world” by Time magazine. Also, the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences has honoured Burden by making him their distinguished lecturer. In 2009, a users’ poll by Planetizen named him one of the Top 100 urban thinkers of all time.
Guest speakers Cameron Muir and Lance Jakubec will also speak at the forum.
Muir is a well-known economist who joined the B.C. Real Estate Association as chief economist in 2006. Muir will be highlighting international, national, and provincial economic conditions and forecasts.
Jakubec, a senior market analyst for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, will discuss housing market conditions and trends in the Township of Langley and throughout the Lower Mainland.
The economic forum runs from noon to 3:30 p.m. in the Langley Events Centre’s banquet room, 7888 200 St. To participate, RSVP to Shirley Johnson at 604-533-6152 or econdev@tol.ca by today (Oct. 17).
The event, including lunch, is free.
