The commune is fighting against new housing regulations

On Monday, June 10, Langley Township council voted to delay final approval of some new housing regulations until October, after the next provincial election.

Last year, the province introduced a series of new housing rules that aim to allow for higher housing densities and more home building across British Columbia

These regulations go into effect at the end of June, and municipalities are trying to adapt their local laws and regulations to adapt to changes at the provincial level.

At its June 10 meeting, council voted to approve a transit-oriented area around the Willowbrook Shopping Center where higher traffic density will be allowed due to a future SkyTrain station.

Developers have already applied to build residential towers in the area west of Willowbrook Shopping Center.

They also voted on a number of changes related to small-scale multi-unit housing development (SSMUH), as the province ordered builders to allow the construction of three- and four-family subdivisions on most serviced single-family lots in British Columbia starting this July.

However, the city authorities will refrain from final approval of some of the changes.

Mayor Eric Woodward, who has been at loggerheads with provincial Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon over the details of housing regulations, asked that final approval of the Willowbrook transit area be postponed until the end of October.

Councilor Kim Richter asked why the delay in final approval.

“There must be a reason why you’re putting it off until October,” Richter said.

“I don’t have any justification for you, that’s the motion on the floor,” Woodward replied.

County Commissioner Michael Pratt wondered whether delaying final approval would lead to a “strongly worded letter” from the British Columbia government, and Woodward indicated that municipal officials would likely seek a waiver. He also said he believes the provincial regulations will short-circuit Willowbrook’s local planning and its future amenities, causing “significant harm” to the area.

Another series of votes took place on SSMUH-related issues, with some passed as is and others deferred for final approval until after the October elections.

The delays seemed political, said Coun. Małgorzata Kunst.

“We need to take this seriously,” she said.

The council also voted on a mayoral motion related to SSMUH regulations that sought to prevent developers from building a single four-plex or other relatively small housing project on properties in the 200th Street corridor.

Provincial regulations allow any land smaller than an acre to be turned into an SSMUH, but city officials have plans to increase the population density of the area.

The council voted 8-1 in favor of the motion, which Woodward said was about “preventing SSMUH on 200 Street.”

Woodward was highly critical of the provincial rule change, noting that municipalities have been building new homes at a breakneck pace in recent years.

City officials are also modifying Brookswood’s neighborhood plans in light of new provincial housing regulations,