If you want a say on Langley Township’s economic future, an online survey is now asking questions of local business owners and residents.
The survey, found HERE, is a follow up to the recent Stakeholder Engagement Forum held on July 5.
The forum and the questionaire is designed to help create a new Economic Development Strategy for the Township.
“We are very pleased with how well the Forum went,” said Val Gafka, the Township’s senior manager of economic investment and development. “Attendees were just buzzing with thoughts and ideas, and the ideation sessions were full. Participants were genuinely engaged and many wanted to stay and continue in rich dialogue, although the next session was ready to begin.”
The event’s keynote address, delivered by Bruce Ralston, B.C.’s Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology, provided an overview of the province’s economic possibilities and the Township’s role as a player. A mid-day speaker panel featuring Langley’s MPs and MLAs put the spotlight on future possibilities for the Township.
Forum participants heard from numerous thought leaders, including Val Litwin, president and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, who spoke about emerging opportunities and how the Township is positioned to capitalize on assets such as tourism, clean energy technology, agri-tourism, and international trade.
Destination BC’s CEO Marsha Walden, Fraser Health Authority medical health officer Dr. Michael Schwandt, and TransLink’s vice-president of planning and policy Geoff Cross discussed regional trends, needs, and opportunities related to tourism, community health, and transportation and transit plans. Their presentations will be available soon on invest.tol.ca.
Attendees received an information booklet highlighting Langley’s primary industries and contributed to conversations about issues, opportunities, and challenges that impact the Township, including the importance of small business, affordability, our aging population, and the need to set goals for future success.
“With numerous, diverse competitive advantages, the Township is positioned to be a leader in economic prosperity,” Gafka said, “and it is important that we hear from anyone who is vested in our economic future. We encourage business owners in the Township, their employees, and residents to take a few minutes and complete the short online survey.”
A consultant’s report on the Forum will be finalized later this summer.