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Letter: Mayor says planning process to hear all voices

83087langleyadvanceLangArt_opinion_letters

Dear Editor,

The Township of Langley is in the process of updating the 1987 Brookswood-Fernridge Community Plan, with a focus on the undeveloped areas of the community.

The major initial component in the update process is a public engagement strategy that has been put in place to ensure everyone’s voice is heard, that input and ideas are received every step of the way, and that information available is accurate, accessible, and transparent.

On June 23, a drop-in public open house was held to provide residents with background information on the update process, give the public an opportunity to provide input on their values and aspirations for the area, and gather their initial ideas and apprehensions.

The open house featured a number of stations that used a variety of tools and methods to gather feedback, and 750 people participated. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn from residents, and we thank everyone who took the time to attend.

The open house is just one of many public input and information sharing opportunities that will be held as the Community Plan update process continues over the next several months. Five phases have been included in the planning and public consultation process, and we are currently in Phase 1: (Definition) which aims to raise awareness of the update, outline its scope and timeline, and provide an early opportunity to gather input from the community.

We look forward to working with our residents throughout the process, and over the months to come.  As we move into Phase 2: (Discovery) this Fall, demographics, land use, and existing conditions will be studied.

The Township is going through all five phases (Phase 3 Visioning, Phase 4 Planning, and Phase 5 Adoption) of this project slowly and carefully over the next year to make sure all the technical information required is in place before any planning begins, and we appreciate all the effort residents are making to take part.

As well, a Community Planning Team made up of residents, property owners, and other stakeholders has been formed to assist staff, provide important input and feedback, and act as a sounding-board during the update process. Visit tol.ca/brfrcpt.

Accurate, up-to-date information on the update process, details on upcoming events and activities where residents can participate, learn, and share ideas, and contact information is available on our website attol.ca/brfrcp. Residents call also call the Brookswood-Fernridge Community Plan Information Line at 604.533.6152 or email brfrcp@tol.ca.

I thank everyone who has and will take the time to be involved in this very important process; we will continue to reach out to the community in several varied formats over the next several months.

Mayor Jack Froese, Township of Langley