News Release

Langley, B.C. – (October 23, 2025) – A candidate in Saturday's Township of Langley municipal by-election is warning of a critical financial issue demanding urgent community attention with the township's total debt projected to quadruple from $167.3 million in 2023 to $653.4 million this year. This could mean the community may become the most indebted municipality in British Columbia on a per capita basis.

A comprehensive financial analysis prepared by by-election candidate Blair Whitmarsh and his team provides detailed comparisons with peer municipalities across the Lower Mainland, revealing how significantly the township's debt trajectory diverges from communities of similar size and circumstance. To place this in perspective, the debt burden per household is expected to surge from $2,978 in 2023 to $10,754 in 2025.

"When we looked closely at the numbers and compared them to our neighbours — Vancouver, Surrey, City of Langley, Abbotsford, Delta and Chilliwack — the scale of this debt becomes impossible to ignore," Blair Whitmarsh says. "This analysis tells the actual story of where the township stands, and it should concern every resident."

According to the Township of Langley 2024 Annual Report, the township's net financial position stands at -$8.5 million as of 2024, making it increasingly difficult to manage current liabilities and prepare for unforeseen emergencies. Whitmarsh says the rapid accumulation of debt has been used to front-load capital projects while critical infrastructure remains underfunded and financial transparency remains limited.

"Official projections rely on future development fees and Amenity Cost Charges (ACC) from developers to service this debt. However, this approach carries significant risk," Whitmarsh says.

He says factors that will have a negative impact on municipal revenue and ability to manage the debt include: The new ACC system is expected to generate approximately half the revenue of the previous Community Amenity Contribution (CAC) system; development fee revenue is contingent on developers breaking ground which is highly uncertain given current economic conditions and widespread project stalls; development-generated fees are legally restricted and cannot be applied to general operating expenses or debt repayment from previous projects.

His vision for the township's financial future differs greatly from that laid out by fellow by-election candidate John Aldag who said at a recent Langley Chamber of Commerce candidate forum, "I reached out to the mayor and he managed to give me a good chunk of time to walk me through the existing debt load and where the funding sources are to service that. I was actually really impressed with the thought that's gone behind where the money is coming from for the investments. We're in a reasonable position for the community right now for the growth challenges that we have."

Whitmarsh, who served as a Township Councillor from 2014 to 2022, is calling for budget oversight by an independent auditor general, regular financial reports ensuring residents understand how tax dollars are spent, project prioritization based on community needs rather than debt capacity and more transparency with open decision-making and accountability.

"The Township's growth is real and presents genuine challenges that require thoughtful planning. However, managing that growth responsibly rather than through accelerated debt is both possible and essential."

"We can make progress in Langley," he says. "But we need to manage that progress thoughtfully. By ensuring financial transparency and demanding accountability, we can rebuild community trust and secure the Township's long-term financial future."

For a detailed financial analysis comparing the Township to peer municipalities in the Lower Mainland, visit www.blairwhitmarsh.com/financial-snapshot