Langley's Housing and Affordability

Housing affordability is a pressing issue in Langley, BC, as the community experiences significant growth and increasing integration with Metro Vancouver. Langley’s appeal lies in its blend of urban conveniences and suburban charm, making it an attractive location for families and professionals seeking relatively affordable alternatives to Vancouver’s soaring housing prices. However, this demand has driven up property values and rents, challenging both residents and businesses.

Langley’s proximity to Metro Vancouver has positioned it as a commuter hub, particularly for those who cannot afford to live closer to the city’s core. The upcoming SkyTrain extension to Langley City is expected to enhance connectivity and further fuel demand for housing. While this development presents opportunities for growth, it also risks exacerbating affordability issues as transit-oriented development often leads to increased property prices.

Rising housing costs have a dual impact: they limit housing options for low- and middle-income families and create recruitment challenges for local businesses. Employees, particularly those in retail, hospitality, and other service sectors, struggle to find affordable accommodation near their workplaces, leading to labor shortages and longer commutes. This dynamic can strain businesses, which must compete for workers or relocate to less expensive areas.

Efforts to address housing affordability in Langley include municipal policies encouraging higher-density developments such as townhouses and condominiums, as well as affordable housing projects. However, these initiatives face challenges, including community opposition to densification and the high cost of land.

Balancing Langley’s growth with housing affordability requires collaborative efforts from local governments, developers, and community stakeholders. Strategic urban planning, investment in affordable housing, and policies promoting diverse housing options will be critical to ensuring that Langley remains a vibrant and inclusive community as it grows alongside Metro Vancouver.

Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost of the Langley Chapter of WRN. She is also a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance.

WRN News - Langley Edition

Jenny Holly Hansen: C0 - Publisher

Chris Sturges: C0 - Publisher