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206 207 Langley has done just that with an award-win- ning downtown master plan and innovative Brownfield redevelopment. Schaffer acknowledg- es, “We had to do something with contaminated industrial and commercial land that was sitting derelict and vacant. The plan focuses on what we can do to make these sites employment genera- tors, improve the environmental conditions, expand our tax base, and promote sustainable development by utilizing existing infrastructure.What was so amazing was we were the first in B.C. to adopt a Brownfield Redevelopment Strategy.” Most of the research was done on successful Brownfield initiatives in eastern Canada. Langley City took some of those best practices, modified them, and developed its own strategy that has resulted in over $198 million in new construction on Brownfield sites, creating more than 950 jobs, a national Brownie Award, a national Community Sustainability Award, a national Green Champion Award, a Federation of Canadian Municipalities award (FCM), and a provincial Economic Develop- ment Association Award. “We didn’t do it for the accolades,” the Mayor admits,“They came after the fact.We did it because we had a problem–contaminated sites that needed redevelopment.And we needed to work with devel- opers to find innovative solutions for transforming these sites into viable new commercial/industrial businesses.We are now known as a leader in economic development in British Columbia – a partner versus a single-dimension regulator of land use. The Brownfield Redevelopment Strategy really put us on the map!” Mayor Schaffer believes that the success of any community is founded on relationship building and creating an internal framework to address business challenges, making it easier to grow along with the community and the region.When investing comes to mind, the City of Langley truly is “The Place to Be”. deal for an arena with twin ice rinks; a homeless shelter run by the Salvation Army; a community music school; a seniors’ centre; and the Stepping Stone Community Services facility for people facing life challenges. All these are on city-owned property.We’re committed to pursuing opportuni- ties that benefit everyone.” Along with providing services to a broader regional population, Langley City is a net im- porter of workers –meaning the number of jobs available exceeds the size of the resident labour force. Langley City has earned bragging rights for achieving one of the highest ratios of jobs to population among Metro Vancouver municipali- ties, along with a well-balanced economic base. As a small local government, the City of Langley espouses the mantra “Leanness Inspires Innova- tion” and seeks out opportunities to partner with the development industry and community groups to promote their different interests. Mayor Schaf- fer notes, “At the City of Langley, we recognize the incredibly important role business owners, devel- opers, and investors play in building a great city.” In that regard, City Council focuses its efforts in seven areas: infrastructure renewal, quality of life, communication, revitalization, environment, protective services, and organizational excellence. “We’re making progress in all these areas,”Schaffer reports,“and ultimately it will define our success over the next five years.Our trade population area is in excess of 300,000 and that should double by 2026,with a trade potential of $3.84 billion.Our specialty businesses draw customers fromVancou- ver, Bellingham, and throughout Washington State, since we’re right on the U.S. border.” It’s said that good cities react to opportunities, but great cities plan and create them. The City of Wesgroup is one of Western Canada’s largest private real estate organizations with the humble roots of a family run company. Our 50-year history of residential and commercial development has remained focused in the Lower Mainland and with significant holdings in Langley City, we are proud to be part of its growth. PROUD SUPPORTERS OF LANGLEY’S CONTINUED GROWTH Corix at 200 th Street Business Park Langely City Square LANGLEY CITY, BRITISH COLUMBIA PREFERRED VENDOR n Wesgroup Properties www.wesgroup.ca