Langley Strong files complaints over rival campaign advertising

Langley Strong has filed formal complaints alleging that the rival Progress For Langley campaign broke local election rules by filming at Township facilities under construction and posting election signs before the permitted period.

Campaign manager Derek Robson said the complaints, filed with Langley’s chief election officer, concern online videos and physical signs. He said the issue is whether the rules are applied evenly.

Mayor Eric Woodward, who leads Progress For Langley, called the allegations an election stunt and said his slate remains focused on Langley residents, taxpayers and the community’s future.

The complaints cite videos showing candidates at the construction sites for the Brookswood fire hall and a soccer facility at Smith Athletic Park, as well as footage in a Township civic facility and material showing Township logos. Township guidance permits campaign filming in public areas during regular hours but prohibits access to restricted spaces, including facilities under construction. It also bars the use of Township logos and Township-produced images in campaign material.

Langley Strong also objected to signs placed briefly on private property in Fort Langley around B.C. Day and to an alleged use of a future ice-rink complex rendering at Langley Events Centre. The Township bylaw allows election signs only from 9 a.m. on the 21st day before general voting day until four days after voting day.

Langley Strong’s own bus-shelter ads were removed in June under the same bylaw. As of Aug. 7, its latest complaints were under review by the chief election officer. Progress For Langley holds five of nine elected council positions, including the mayoralty; both it and Langley Strong are fielding full slates for the Oct. 17 election.