“At a certain point, buying books from the store you love is not going to be enough to keep it open… the bigger problem lies in the relationship between capitalism, the commercial real estate market, and the toxic marriage between the two for low-margin businesses…” - Lexi Beach in Why Buying Books Will Not Save Our Beloved Bookstores

Last night I attended the Willoughby Residents Association’s All Candidates Meeting. And, like the others I’ve been a part of, it turned out to be a great evening of questions from engaged residents. This question was asked of candidates, and I paraphrase: How did you prepare for the campaign and, potentially, a seat on Langley Township Council? I think the answer is worth sharing.

Mayoral and Council Candidates for the Township of Langley were asked which of the many concerns voiced by residents would they treat as top priorities. Their responses were published in the Oct. 3, 2018 edition of the Langley Times.

STACEY WAKELIN's reply as follows:

Infrastructure — I would like to see this be a focal part of the conversation going forward. I am not against development, but I am against irresponsible development.

“I wish every member of the community, and especially members of government, would walk the streets and meet the people living on them. It would cure the misconception that homeless people are addicts and criminals. Several of the people we met work five days a week and due to circumstances are without a home.” - Stacey Wakelin, Langley Advance December 17, 2016

There are 7,265 Renter Households in Langley Township (LINK):

• The median income of a renter household is $54,868;
• 39% of renter households are spending over 30% of before tax income on shelter costs (rent + utilities);
• 20% of renter households are spending over 50% of before tax income on shelter costs.

NOTE: These numbers do not include people experiencing homelessness who may be couch surfing with family or friends, or living in their vehicles, on the streets or in tent cities.

Why do these numbers matter? How does affordable housing contribute to an individual’s or a family’s quality of life?

“Social issues have been ignored for too long and that is why we are committing this government, and future governments, to break the cycle of poverty and improve people’s lives.” - Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction

It’s no secret that the Township of Langley is home to low-income residents and to residents experiencing homelessness. The evidence is all around us, and as predisposed as many residents are to respond to solutions with “not-in-my-backyard,” it’s beyond time to work out a strategy because poverty is in our backyard. Agencies and non-profits have been active in both the Township and the City for a long while, working hard to help individuals and families in a variety of ways:

“… the Township of Langley is home to more than 121,000 residents… There are over 63,000 people in the Township’s labour force… nearly a 67% participation rate, 62% aged 55 or younger” and “51% of the population having some form of higher education.” – Township of Langley

This is how the Township of Langley currently promotes itself, with more of the same on the Trade and Invest BC website. It’s a great story to tell the world, and it’s true – as far as it goes. But let’s talk about Township residents who are not included in the description above.

A lot of promises will be made during this election season. Candidates who win their seats on October 20 will be expected by voters to follow up their words with real action. If they’ve promised to carry out a project that comes with a price tag, how exactly will that work?

Stacey Wakelin has been slated at number 21 on the ballot. Vote STACEY WAKELIN for Langley Township Council.

"I believe in putting people first. My track record involves initiatives with the homeless, refugees in the Lower Mainland, and advocating for inclusive communities. I believe we need to preserve the character of our Township while making it home for all of us who live here. That means slowing down on new neighbourhoods while we catch up with much needed education, transportation, and medical infrastructure. I will be your progressive voice on Council." - Stacey Wakelin

Questions for Stacey Wakelin? Email. Facebook. 

Advance voting for Township of Langley residents begins next week. See locations and times below:

STACEY WAKELIN’s decision to run for Township of Langley Council in the 2018 Municipal Election did not come out of nowhere. Some background info is provided in her blog post Why I’m in the Race, but we have much more detail on our recently published IN THE NEWS page.