Langley Township is sinking into a financial quagmire. Mayor Woodward authorized borrowing that has surged to $668 million, with 78%—a staggering $499 million—approved in just the last two years. This explosion of debt represents an additional burden of over $3,300 hanging over the head of every resident of the Township. As we struggle with rising costs of everything from housing to food to fuel, mayor Woodward thinks it’s a good idea to add to our financial strain.

Mounting Criticism from Council

Some councillors have questioned Woodward’s lack of fiscal control. While the Woodward majority was ready to quickly authorise another $6,959,596 of borrowing for the reconstruction of Old Yale Road, Councillors Richter and Pratt raised questions about the mounting weight of the unprecedented borrowing spree. 

Councillor Richter took to Facebook to voice her alarm, highlighting critical gaps in transparency. She noted there has been no clear communication about necessary tax increases, the $25 million annual debt interest, or contingency plans for cost overruns. She questioned the timing of this spending during a period of rising inflation, a weakening Canadian dollar, and soaring food prices. “How many people can afford this?”

Debt-Fueled Development at What Cost?

Councillor Richter also asked for clarification about the total authorised borrowing since Woodward became mayor in 2022. Council was told the additional borrowing in these years is just shy of $500 million. Councillor Pratt questioned how much of the authorised loans had actually been received by the Township. For her part, councillor Martens asked for clarity on the annual debt servicing cost – but a specific answer could not be provided. This lack of clarity is concerning, but thankfully there are some councillors questioning the Woodwardian majority’s out-of-control spending.

The pace and scale of this borrowing are historically unprecedented in the Township. Mayor Woodward’s majority approve of his ‘spend now, worry later’ approach, relying on debt to fund large-scale development projects. While these investments may provide some benefits, the long-term costs will fall squarely on the shoulders of future generations of residents. 

Woodward prioritizing short-term political gain over fiscal responsibility is reminiscent of the ancient Roman practice of giving the people bread and games to distract them from increasingly poor economics. Students of history will point out that leaders only use this strategy when they feel their influence and popularity waning.

Mayor Woodward has consistently championed large-scale development projects as the path to Langley Township’s future prosperity. But this strategy is creating an unsustainable cycle of debt that threatens the township’s financial health and taxing us out of our homes. 

In a September 2024 article, Matthew Claxton of the Langley Advance Times warned of the council’s increasing reliance on debt to fund infrastructure projects, including expansions to the road network. The controversial Development Cost Charges (DCC) hikes under Woodward’s administration add another layer of concern. These charges, designed to offset the cost of development, have risen sharply, contributing to housing unaffordability and challenges in bringing new homes to market. 

The Verdict: A Sinkhole in the Making

The numbers speak for themselves. Nearly 80% of the township’s debt has been incurred under Mayor Woodward’s watch – in just the last two years. The lack of transparency, coupled with a reluctance to acknowledge the long-term implications, does not inspire confidence that Woodward’s council is taking a carefully-considered approach to borrowing. 

If the Township continues on this trajectory, the debt sinkhole may swallow Langley Township’s future prosperity, so in our view, it is imperative for residents to be concerned about whether the bread and games offered today are worth the costs to come tomorrow. 

Responsible leadership requires a vision that extends beyond the next election cycle, balancing progress with fiscal prudence – and the Township’s current administration has yet to demonstrate it is up to that challenge. Many of us in Langley are left wondering, how much will another year of the Woodward council cost us?