Councillor Guiry:
WHEREAS the 2022 Langford Fire Rescue Fire Master Plan recommends for “LFR to begin the process of securing funding with City approval to then enter the design phase for a new Fire Station #1 to consolidate resources from Fire Station #1 and Fire Station #3” as a short-term recommendation that would improve emergency response service delivery in Langford;
And WHEREAS in 2023 the Province of BC amended Bill 46 to expand what can be levied by Development Cost Charges to include fire protection which would share the cost of new fire protection infrastructure equitably between existing users and new development;
THEREFORE, the City of Langford Council directs staff to start planning for a new Fire Station #1 as recommended in the Langford Fire Rescue Fire Master Plan and establish a DCC Bylaw to support the building and development of the new fire station.
Councillor Wagner:
WHEREAS UBCM has a Community Excellence Award to recognize and celebrate UBCM member First Nations, regional districts, and local governments that have implemented projects or programs that go above and beyond in meeting the purposes of local government in BC;
And WHEREAS the awards are intended to showcase outstanding initiatives and share them with other members to implement in their own communities;
And WHEREAS the City of Langford’s Inaugural Strategic Plan meets the criterion set out above;
Therefore, I move that Council resolve to support the nomination of Langford's Inaugural Strategic Plan in being considered for a 2024 UBCM Community Excellence Award.
Councillor Harder:
Free Transit for Young People in BC
WHEREAS the Get On Board Program allows children aged 12 and under to ride all BC Transit and TransLink transit services free of charge, and this program saves families money while offering youth low-carbon transportation that helps the province and municipalities reach emissions and transportation mode share targets;
WHEREAS encouraging young people to use public transportation early in life can lead to lifelong habits of sustainable transportation use, and this in turn can have long-term benefits for cities in terms of reduced congestion, lower emissions, and increased social inclusion;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT UBCM lobby the Provincial Government expand the Get On Board program to include all youth up to the age of 18.
Free Transit for Seniors in BC
WHEREAS transportation costs can serve as significant barrier to mobility for many British Columbian seniors, and this barrier can contribute to social isolation and adversely affect mental and physical well-being;
WHEREAS removing barriers to seniors using transit encourages a shift towards more sustainable transportation, helping lower emissions and reducing congestion, while simultaneously increasing affordability, access to essential services, social inclusion, health, and well-being;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT UBCM lobby the Provincial Government to make all public transit free for seniors (aged 65 years or older).