On April 3, Langley Township Council passed the 2023 budget, which included a 5.37% average property tax increase following a late amendment to increase contributions to capital projects.   The budget and financial plan outline the broad priorities for Mayor and Council.  More info on the budget can be found through the links at bottom.

The Langley Chamber is pleased to see a tax increase lower than most neighbouring jurisdictions. One of the top concerns the Langley Chamber now hears from our members is regarding the cumulative financial burden placed on businesses in BC, both through direct taxes as well as regulatory and compliance costs.  Therefore, achieving one of the lowest tax increases in the region, particularly in this year of inflationary challenges, is important. 

That said, the Langley Chamber advocated directly with Mayor and Council against changing the tax mix -- the proportion of taxes paid by businesses.  The Langley Chamber is pleased to see that at this point, the tax mix will has remained steady, although we note that businesses still pay over 25% of the taxes despite only representing 9.5% of the properties. 

The Chamber also told Mayor and Council that while the move to using capital project funding envelopes and considering an increase in strategic borrowing has the potential to advance much-needed infrastructure projects in our community, there is concern this could result in higher long-term operating costs and direct debt servicing costs in the future, and then corresponding tax increases that would be necessary to fund that.   It will be key to strike the appropriate balance, and the Langley Chamber is committed to continuing to engage and advocate with Council on that balance. 

More information:

2023 Initial Draft Budget

2023 Budget Presentation to Council

Update to 2023 Financial Plan - March 13