LANGLEY ( Richa Walia): Langley City residents will have an opportunity to shape the future of two major community infrastructure projects during the upcoming Local Government Election on October 17, 2026, through a non-binding Community Opinion Vote.
Along with their regular election ballot, eligible voters will receive a separate ballot asking whether they support continued planning for two proposed projects: the expansion of Timms Community Centre alongside the development of a new Performing Arts and Cultural Centre, and the expansion of Al Anderson Pool to provide year-round public access.
City officials said the proposed projects represent significant long-term investments that would have future property tax implications. The Community Opinion Vote is intended to help the incoming City Council better understand residents’ priorities before making decisions on whether to continue planning, pursue additional funding opportunities, or advance either project.
Mayor Nathan Pachal said the vote gives residents an important opportunity to review the proposals and provide meaningful input through the democratic process. He encouraged all eligible voters to learn about the projects and participate in the election, emphasizing that community feedback will play a key role in guiding future Council discussions.
The City clarified that the Community Opinion Vote is advisory only and is not a referendum. It does not authorize construction or borrowing for either project. Should a future Council decide to proceed with one or both developments and financing through borrowing becomes necessary, a separate legally binding public approval process—either through an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) or a referendum—would be required before construction could move forward.
The initiative follows extensive public consultation conducted since 2025 under the Invest Langley City program, where residents shared their views through online and in-person engagement sessions. That feedback helped shape the proposals now being presented to voters.
The results of the Community Opinion Vote will be released after the October election and are expected to help guide Langley City’s long-term planning for community recreation, arts, and cultural facilities. Residents can review project details and election information through the City’s official websites before casting their ballots.
