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Langley Township's debt load could skyrocket to more than $653 million this year, according to financial analysis released by byelection candidate Blair Whitmarsh, potentially making the municipality British Columbia's most indebted municipality on a per capita basis.
The warning comes as voters prepare for the Oct. 25 byelection to fill the council seat vacated by Misty Van Popta, who was forced to resign after provincial legislation banned MLAs from simultaneously serving in municipal government.
Whitmarsh, a former councillor who served from 2014 to 2022, has made fiscal accountability the centerpiece of his campaign.
Debt projected to quadruple in two years
According to his team's analysis, the Township's debt has exploded from $167.3 million in 2023 to a projected $653.4 million in 2025, a nearly 400% increase in just two years.
The numbers translate to a crushing burden on individual households, with debt per household expected to surge from $2,978 in 2023 to $10,754 this year.
"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," Whitmarsh said in a statement. "This analysis tells the actual story of where the township stands, and it should concern every resident."
The Township's 2024 Annual Report shows a net financial position of negative $8.5 million, which Whitmarsh argues makes it increasingly difficult to manage current liabilities and prepare for unforeseen emergencies.
His campaign contends that the rapid accumulation of debt has been used to front-load capital projects while critical infrastructure remains underfunded and financial transparency remains limited.
Reliance on development fees carries risk
The Township's financial strategy relies heavily on future development fees and Amenity Cost Charges from developers to service the debt. However, Whitmarsh's analysis highlights several risk factors that could undermine this approach.
The new ACC system is expected to generate approximately half the revenue of the previous Community Amenity Contribution system.
Development fee revenue depends on developers breaking ground, which remains highly uncertain given current economic conditions and widespread project stalls across the region.
Perhaps most critically, development-generated fees are legally restricted and cannot be applied to general operating expenses or debt repayment from previous projects.
"Official projections rely on future development fees and Amenity Cost Charges from developers to service this debt. However, this approach carries significant risk," Whitmarsh said.
Contrasting visions for fiscal management
His vision for addressing the Township's financial challenges differs sharply from that of fellow byelection candidate John Aldag, the former Liberal MP who represented Langley federally from 2015 to 2019 and again from 2021 to 2024.
At a recent Langley Chamber of Commerce candidate forum, Aldag offered a more optimistic assessment of the Township's financial position.
"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," Aldag said at the forum. "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 calls for transparency reforms
Whitmarsh finished second to Eric Woodward in the 2022 mayoral race with 6,805 votes to Woodward's 10,911. He is now calling for comprehensive reforms to address the Township's debt crisis.
His proposals include budget oversight by an independent auditor general. He also wants regular financial reports ensuring residents understand how tax dollars are spent.
Whitmarsh advocates for project prioritization based on community needs rather than debt capacity. He emphasizes the need for more transparency with open decision-making and accountability.
"The Township's growth is real and presents genuine challenges that require thoughtful planning," Whitmarsh said. "However, managing that growth responsibly rather than through accelerated debt is both possible and essential."
He emphasized that while growth brings challenges, it should not come at the expense of fiscal sustainability.
"We can make progress in Langley. 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."
Byelection scheduled for Oct. 25
The byelection features seven candidates vying for the council seat, including Whitmarsh, Aldag, former Langley City mayor Val van den Broek, and community advocates Resha Sabti, Jami Watson, Paul Chhina, and Saurabh Seth. The winner will serve until the 2026 general civic elections.
Advanced voting runs from Oct. 18 to 22 at various locations throughout the Township, with general voting day set for Saturday, Oct. 25. The elected councillor will join a council where the Progress For Langley slate holds a five-member majority.
Whitmarsh's full financial analysis, which includes detailed comparisons with peer municipalities across the Lower Mainland, is available at blairwhitmarsh.com/financial-snapshot.
For residents concerned about the Township's fiscal trajectory, the byelection offers an opportunity to weigh competing visions for how to balance growth, infrastructure needs, and financial sustainability in one of the region's fastest-growing communities.
References and Further Reading
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Mike Parker
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