Langley Township candidates debate debt and taxes

Candidates for the Langley Township council and mayoralty are debating fiscal management, infrastructure debt, and taxation during the current election cycle. A recent all-candidates meeting organized by the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce highlighted disagreements over the Township’s rising debt and future borrowing capacity.

Mayoral incumbent Eric Woodward of Progress For Langley defended increased capital debt—which rose from $175.1 million in 2022 to $421.7 million in the current budget—as necessary investment in infrastructure to support population growth. Woodward cited projects such as the widening of 208 Street and new community facilities as essential for the region's expansion.

Challenger Jay Lundgren of Langley Strong has criticized the current fiscal approach, arguing that the “growth pays for growth” strategy is failing. Lundgren has proposed a forensic audit of the Township and suggested expanding the business and industrial tax base to increase revenue. Council candidates also sparred over urban versus rural needs, with discussions focusing on maintaining farmland and managing high-density development along major corridors.