FAQs
- Designate future land uses;
- Guide form of buildings;
- Increase employment space;
- Address housing affordability;
- Upgrade streets and add connections;
- Improve parks and public spaces; and,
- Renew and add public amenities.
What is the plan boundary?
The map below identifies the boundary we've established for the plan area. The area is determined by the border with the Langleys to the west, the Clayton Corridor plan to the east (currently underway), the completed East Clayton Plan to the north, and industrial and mixed employment to the south. The plan area covers all three tiers of the Provincial Transit Oriented Area (TOA) legislation. The remaining area within the three TOA tiers lies within the Township of Langley and City of Langley.
Why is the City creating a neighbourhood plan for 196 Street Area now?
With the Surrey‑Langley SkyTrain on the way and new provincial requirements for higher-density housing near rapid transit, the 196 Street Area is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years. The City is also updating its Official Community Plan (OCP) to reflect these changes. Developing a Neighbourhood Concept Plan now allows us to proactively guide this growth so it happens in a coordinated, well‑designed way, and ensures that important amenities like shops, parks, and schools are planned to support the future community.
What is a land use plan?
The City creates land use plans for areas that are experiencing growth and development pressure. A plan determines what can be built and where. It guides the City when considering future development applications.
Typically a land use plan will aim to:
Without a plan, development can occur haphazardly and can lead to speculation and a lack of community amenities and infrastructure. A land use plan provides more certainty for residents, developers, the City and the community’s future.
What does this mean to me as a resident of the plan area?
Creating a neighbourhood plan for 196 Street Area means it will have improved transit access whether you choose to bike, walk or use public transit. It will address housing affordability by providing a mix of housing options and amenities nearby. Overall creating this plan area will have a coordinated growth in 25 -30 years.
Will this plan rezone my property?
No. When the plan is complete it will only indicate the future potential for land through a designation. Designations describe the general form that can be built on a property. For example, “high-rise,”, “urban”, “employment” or “park” are all designations. Development applications such as development permits and rezoning applications are still typically required before anything can be built. During a development application process, a public hearing and Council approval are required.
Do I have to move or sell my property?
No. The plan will only designate the future potential for land. The City does not buy or redevelop the properties included in the plan. Individual property owners may choose to sell their properties to developers, redevelop themselves or keep as is. The City will often require developers consolidate a minimum number of properties and prove they are not impacting remaining lots’ ability to redevelop in the future. As such, you are free to move or stay in your home as long as you like.
When will development occur?
Simply, a land use plan is a tool to provide certainty for residents, developers, the City and the community’s future. Development occurs with or without a plan.
The 196 Street Plan will provide a 25 year+ vision for the community. The pace of development is dependent on individual property owners redeveloping or choosing to sell their property. If there aren’t willing buyers, sellers, and developers then not much will change. Sometimes it takes decades for changes to occur. Areas close to planned SkyTrain Stations will likely redevelop quicker. Some areas may not redevelop at all.