Langley mayoral candidates put taxes, debt and spending at the centre of the campaign

Taxes, debt and spending have become key issues in Langley Township’s municipal election. The township is home to about 165,000 people and continues to grow. Two candidates are seeking the mayor’s chair: incumbent Eric Woodward and political newcomer Jay Lundgren.

Woodward, who is running with Progress for Langley, defended borrowing that he says exceeded $400 million during his term. He cited projects including an expansion of the ice arena at Langley Events Centre, a new fire hall in Brookswood and road improvements. He said the repayment plan relies on revenue from projected growth to provide roads and facilities, adding that without it taxpayers would pay.

Lundgren, running with Langley Strong, disputes Woodward’s account of the debt. He said it has climbed to about $600 million over the past four years and called for a forensic audit to establish the township’s financial position and develop a plan to manage debt while continuing infrastructure projects. He is also calling for spending transparency. His party has criticized tax increases of more than 20 per cent since the last municipal election.

Woodward said Langley’s tax increases remain among the lowest in Metro Vancouver. He said the increases during his term that went directly to police, fire and bylaw services rank among the region’s bottom four, while inflationary pressures from the pandemic continue. Lundgren said $79 million was taken from reserves to cover the shortfall and keep the tax increase to four per cent, and said voters may not be told about it in what he called a “shocking” election year.

Lundgren said too many council decisions are made behind closed doors. He described a leadership crisis, saying people who disagree with township hall are dismissed and not heard.

On crime, both candidates said Langley needs to prepare before the SkyTrain extension is complete. Lundgren said the current ratio is one officer for every 800 residents, compared with an RCMP recommendation of one for every 650. He said the township should reach that ratio as soon as possible, particularly in preparation for SkyTrain, which he said brings opportunity but can also bring crime to areas it serves.

Both candidates promised investment in Aldergrove, where residents sometimes feel forgotten during municipal elections. Woodward said work is underway on a plan for Aldergrove Athletic, with phases two and three to come and a significant upgrade planned. He also said a new library is coming to downtown Aldergrove. Lundgren said Aldergrove has not received much investment and needs another sheet of ice and a gymnasium open to the public.

The candidates agree that a Willoughby Community Centre would be their top project priority.