The Township of Langley’s update of the Brookswood-Fernridge Community Plan is moving into Phase 2 this fall, and residents are encouraged to get involved, have their say, and share their ideas on the future of the community.
The update of the 30-year-old Community Plan, which focuses on the undeveloped areas of Brookswood/Fernridge, was launched earlier this year with an extensive five-phase public engagement and planning process. From April to June, during Phase 1: Definition, hundreds of people shared their community values and outlined their key issues during a number of open houses and workshops that were facilitated by the Township in the community.
Phase 2: Discovery will now focus on developing a shared vision for the future of Brookswood-Fernridge, and guiding principles for completing the Community Plan.
During the second phase, the public will be asked to consider what the community should look like in the next 20 to 25 years, and how to get there. The goal is to ensure that Brookswood-Fernridge is a livable, sustainable, and complete community in the future, while preserving and enhancing its character and natural beauty.
“We are very grateful to everyone who contributed during Phase 1 by sharing what matters to them,” said Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese. “Every opinion counts and we encourage the community to stay involved and help shape the future of Brookswood-Fernridge by participating in the upcoming workshops and information sessions.”
Phase 2 public workshops began on Oct. 18 and the three-hour sessions are filling up quickly. Workshops are being offered on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Registration is required by emailing brfrcp@tol.ca or calling 604-533-6152. Each workshop will cover the same material.
As well, a public open house will be held Wednesday, Nov. 2, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Brookswood Baptist Church, 20581 36 Ave. During the drop-in, interactive event, the Township will present what it has heard from the public to date, provide additional background information, and seek input on a draft vision and guiding principles for the updated Community Plan.
The latest information about the Brookswood-Fernridge Community Plan update can be found online at tol.ca/brfrcp, through the Township’s social media and eAlerts, and in full-page informational ads being run in local newspapers.
The ads, which will be featured periodically throughout the update process, contain background material and a “Latest Update” section which provides information on upcoming Brookswood-Fernridge open houses, workshops, and other public input opportunities.
On Oct. 3, Township Council adopted a Public Engagement Charter that will ensure that meaningful dialogue and enhanced communications occur between the Township and residents during planning and community development processes. The principles of the Charter will play a key role in the Brookswood-Fernridge Community Plan update.
For more information, contact the Community Development Division’s Long Range Planning Department, at brfrcp@tol.ca or 604-533-6152.