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Learn about Langley City

The City of Langley is 10-square-kilometre urban centre located in the heart of the Lower Mainland economic region. With a population of approximately 29,000, the City of Langley offers residents all the amenities of a major urban centre — great shopping and dining, world-class education and entertainment facilities, extensive recreational opportunities and community events — plus over 346 acres of parkland!

The original settlement of Langley City was known as "Innes Corners,” and was later called "Langley Prairie." The area along (Old) Yale Road developed into a major business and service centre and attracted trade from throughout the region. Continued growth resulted in the demand for higher levels of service in the community and, on March 15, 1955, the City of Langley — neighbour to the Township of Langley — was incorporated as its own separate municipality.

Today, the City’s regional town centre is one of the most active industrial and service commercial land bases in the Lower Mainland. The City of Langley is well known for its distinctive retail offerings and eateries, while the surrounding area has become a magnet for high-end luxury brands and big-box retail. Offering a pedestrian-oriented Downtown Langley and a Kwantlen Polytechnic University campus located right in town, the City boasts a high-end shopping centre, independent stores, farmers' markets, terrific antique retailers and a plethora of community arts, culture and entertainment opportunities. 

While the City continues to evolve, the tight-knit community and unique heritage feel remain at the forefront of our fair city's charm. With its rich history, wonderful sense of community, lush offerings of nature and proximity to Vancouver, Langley City just may be the best-kept secret in the Lower Mainland!

Download the City of Langley's Municipal Government Student Activity Booklet here.

For statistical information and more, visit our page: Business & Development Overview.

Vision

The Place to Be

Mission

Building a vibrant, safe and inclusive community together with current and future generations.

Values - P.R.I.D.E.

People: We are committed to community service and to each other every day. We demonstrate this by:

  • Using effective two-way communication, seeking input, actively listening, respecting diversity and considering multiple points of view.
  • Providing timely, reliable service through proactive, courteous, friendly, helpful, and results-oriented actions.
  • Being leaders through our own actions and empowering others, clarifying expectations, being accountable, and providing growth opportunities to build the next generation of leaders.
  • Pursuing partnerships with customers, community groups and other levels of government to achieve greater potential and better results.

Respect: We welcome and uplift people through dignity and teamwork. We do this by:

  • Acknowledging and supporting decisions and being part of the team.
  • Being sincere and consistent in words and actions.
  • Listening and being supportive of the needs of others.
  • Being caring and seeking to understand.

Integrity: We are transparent and inclusive in all our actions. We use integrity to get our work done. We do this by:

  • Maintaining consistency between stated values and actions.
  • Following through on commitments.
  • Correcting errors and omissions in a timely manner.
  • Practicing open, transparent and honest two-way communications.
  • Being responsive and forgiving

Dynamics: We promote and celebrate diversity and freedom to explore and foster creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation. We do this by:

  • Striving for a workforce that reflects the cultural mix of our community.
  • Embracing Reconciliation and seeking equity of persons.
  • Driving change through purposeful progress.
  • Taking initiative and trying new ideas.
  • Celebrating successes and learning from failures.

Expectations: We strive to anticipate and respond to the needs of the community. We do this by:

  • Protecting, preserving, restoring, sustaining, and enhancing our environment.
  • Striving to be the best we can be.
  • Stretching our capabilities and accepting our limitations.
  • Having a lasting effect on creating and sustaining a progressive community.
  • Respecting and being flexible to change and innovative solutions.
  • Recognizing and embracing lifelong learning, training and education.
Coat of Arms

Arms (Shield)

Symbolizes the historic crossroads of Old Yale Road (Fraser Highway), Glover Road and the horizontal British Columbia Electric Railway. The blue star of Innes in the centre of the crossroads reflects the original name of this crossroads - "Innes Corners", after the prominent pioneer and landowner, Adam Innes.

Crest

Combines a mural coronet as a traditional heraldic emblem for municipal government with Maple leaves for Canada and Dogwoods for British Columbia. Above is a canoe, portage fashion to celebrate the MacMillan expedition of 1824. It is tinctured ermine to recall the region's early involvement with the fur trade. Above the canoe is a black half lion from th Scots heraldry for MacMillan. The lion is also a powerful symbol of strength of purpose. Here it symbolizes the spirit of the community and the determination of citizens to defend the City's interests represented by the City's flag.

Supporters & Compartment

The blue and white bars symbolize the Nicomekl River which flows through the City. The grass represents the lands of the City, especially its original fields, while the lilies represent the special natural heritage of the region. The elk also represents this heritage, with the horse honouring pioneers and the role of horsepower in early agriculture and industry. The garbs or wheat sheaves in the collars and on the elk's medallion recall Langley Prairie and agriculture. The cog wheel for industry appears on the horse's medallion. The bezants or gold coins are the traditional symbol of commerce.

Motto

"Strength of Purpose - Spirit of Community"

The Coat of Arms is reserved for protocol, historical and legal purposes; therefore, only the corporate logo can be requested for use. The City’s Coat of Arms is registered and protected under the Trade-marks Act of Canada. Unless written permission has been obtained from the City, any use of the Coat of Arms is prohibited. 

Flag

The flag is composed of the elements of the shield, rebalanced to fit a horizontal rectangle

Corporate Logo

The City of Langley’s logo was inspired by the Coat of Arms and provokes an inviting feeling using modern design elements.  

CREATIVE CONSIDERATIONS 

BRAND CHARACTER: Progressive, Ambitious, Approachable, Friendly 
BRAND VALUES: Community, Leadership, Collaboration, Integrity, Innovation

Logo
The colours in the corporate logo were inspired by the Coat of Arms. The graphical water elements that flow horizontally across the “LC” represents Nicomekl River and Floodplain, one of the distinguishing geographical features unique to the City. 

Tagline
“The Place to Be” represents the City’s ongoing vision and has emerged as a typographic element. 

The Corporate Logo is registered and protected under the Trade-marks Act of Canada. In order to protect the integrity of the symbol and graphic identity of the logo, organizations, businesses or individuals wishing to use the logo must seek prior approval from the City. Care must be taken to make sure the logo is not altered or modified in any way. Unless written permission has been obtained from the City, any use of the Logo is prohibited. If the City becomes aware of unauthorized use, it may pursue legal action. 

Your cooperation is appreciated in making sure the logo is reproduced consistently and properly to present the best possible image for the City. For inquiries and approvals, please consult with Communications Officer in the Administration Department before proceeding. 

 

Full-Circle Service Policy

Courtesy and Respect  We value and work to address concerns, no matter how big or small.

Timely Response  We deliver as quickly as possible

Clarity and Accuracy  We provide the most current and complete information available.

Follow Up  We close the loop, to ensure we've delivered.

Accountability – We measure our individual success by our demonstrated commitment to delivering full-circle service.

Who Should I Contact?

City staff provide service to citizens and businesses following our Full-Circle Service policy. If for any reason you are not satisfied with the decisions made or service you receive, please contact the manager or director responsible for the department you are dealing with.

The City's Chief Administrative Officer, Francis Cheung, is ultimately responsible for the day-to-day operations of the City:

Time Capsule

The time capsule, provided by Fraserway Prekast Ltd, 22765 Fraser Hwy, Langley BC., is the kind that is commonly used by crematoriums. It was donated to the City. It is about 1 foot square and 1.5 feet deep and made of concrete. To prevent moisture deterioration, almost everything was shrink wrapped. Mayor Grinnell then placed concrete on top to seal the Time Capsule in place.

A cubicle of brick approximately 3 feet square was constructed in the north-east corner of the Archives Room in the underground parking area of the City Hall/Library at 20399 Douglas Crescent.

Placed In The NE Corner Of The Archives Room, Underground Parking Garage Of City Hall
October 16, 2000 AT 4:00 PM. The contents of the 2000 Time Capsule are:

  1. Letter To Future Generations by Mayor Marlene M. Grinnell
  2. "From City To Prairie" - History Book commissioned by the City of Langley " and written by
    Warren F. Sommer
  3. Photograph of 2000 City Council Members
  4. Photograph of City Staff Outside Old City Hall Prior to demolition of Building in 1999
  5. City Organization Chart
  6. Program -- Official Opening - New Langley City Hall & Library - August 25, 2000
  7. Coins From 1955 Time Capsule From Old City Hall
  8. 2000 Coins - 25 Cents, $1 and $2
  9. "On-Site Magazine" and Langley Advance Newson the Official Opening of the new City Hall
  10. Special Report on City of Langley - Supplement to Trade & Commerce Magazine
  11. City of Langley 2000 Assessment Roll
  12. Photographs of Our Two Heritage Homes: Wark/Dumais House on Glover Road owned by Kwantlen University College and Michaud House on 204th Street adjacent to Nicomekl River
  13. Historical Issue - Langley Advance News: December 31, 2000
  14. City of Langley Lapel Pins: (1) City Trade Mark (later discontinued and replaced by the Coat of Arms), (1) "Where City Meets Country", (1) Oval pin - on the occasion of Conferment of Coat of Arms by Chief Herald of Canada, Mr. Robert Watt, (9) City of Langley Pins (2000) Coat of Arms for Members of Council serving when the time capsule is opened.
  15. T-Shirt of 'Langley City Farmers' Market - Market held every Saturday during the Summer months at Innes Corners (Fraser Highway & Glover Road/204th Street)
  16. Sears Catalogue - Spring & Summer 2000
  17. 3 Coupon Books From Safeway Store