What do Commissions and Committees do?
The City of Langley welcomes interested residents to become involved in their community by participating as a member of one of its commissions and committees. The general purpose of these commissions and committees are to act as advisors to Council on specific issues and report back to Council on the result of their work. Council takes into consideration the input provided by these groups when making decisions at the Council table.
Who can be members of the Commissions and Committees?
These groups are made up of members of the public who are residents of the City of Langley and representatives from other organizations such as the School Board, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Langley Merchants Association, the Langley Field Naturalists, H.D. Stafford School to name a few. One or two members of Council may be named to a commission or committee. As well, there are staff members who attend these meetings to act as a resource, providing information on City operations and existing policies.
What is expected of a Commission or a Committee Member?
The commissions and committees usually meet once a month. There are no meetings held in the month of August. The vast majority of the meetings are held at City Hall in the CKF Room, starting at 7:00 p.m. Appointments to a committee or a commission is for a one year term, beginning on January 1. If Council so approves, a member can serve on a specific Commission or Committee for more than one year. If a Commission or Committee Member fails to attend three consecutive meetings, that person is removed from the Commission or Committee.
Members of the Commissions and Committees do not receive any money for serving on the commission or committee. Members are invited to the annual Volunteer Banquet which takes place in February each year.
What are the various Commissions and Committees?
Advisory Planning Commission – 2nd Wednesday of the month
The Advisory Planning Commission (“APC”) is an advisory body which reviews planning applications such as amendments to the Official Community Plan, rezoning applications, development permit applications and other planning related permits. This commission provides advice to Council on all matters respecting land use, community or proposed bylaws and permits. Members of this committee must be residents of the City of Langley or eligible to vote in municipal elections as a non-resident property owner.
Canadian Pacific Railway, City of Langley, Township of Langley Community Advisory Panel – One meeting every three months on the 3rd Thursday of the month
The purpose of the CPR Advisory Panel is to provide a forum for the exchange of information between the Canadian Pacific Railway, the City and the Township, to provide recommendations on specific issues as required and to assist in the resolution of issues between CPR and the two communities.
Communities in Bloom Committee – 2nd Wednesday of the month for most months, more frequent meetings during May, June and July
The purpose of the Communities in Bloom Committee (“CIB”) is to plan, prepare, organize, promote, participate and implement community events and initiatives that are necessary in promoting the goals and philosophy of the national Communities in Bloom program. In addition to the meetings, this committee is very active in the community events.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission – 1st Thursday of the month
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (“P and R”) makes recommendations to Council concerning parks and recreation issues, long range planning and programming and promotion of community events.
Police Advisory Committee – 3rd Wednesday of the month
The Police Advisory Committee (“PAC”) is responsible for developing and making recommendations to Council on the strategic objectives, priorities and goals of the. R.C.M.P., making recommendations on the financial and resource planning of the R.C.M.P. for the next fiscal year, assisting in the development of policies and programs designed to enhance public safety and considering items referred to it by Council.
Public Art Advisory Committee– 3rd Wednesday of the month
The purpose of the Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) is to:
- Develop and monitor the annual work plan and budget;
- Ensure the care, conservation and management of the public art collection;
- Set policy, procedures and criteria to ensure an equitable process for the creation, selection and placement of public art works;
- Maintain an updated public art inventory and artist registry;
- Develop a communications strategy for public art; and
- Monitor and evaluate the Public Art Program
How do I apply to become a member?
The City places advertisements in the newspaper in the fall, inviting residents to apply to serve on these commissions and committees. Please send a letter stating your interest and a brief resume to the Administration Department by the deadline date. You are welcome to apply for more than one committee or commission but please indicate your preference as to which commission or committee you would prefer to serve on. In fairness to all, people are generally only appointed to serve on one commission or committee at a time.
Once the applications are received, the applications are reviewed and the selections are made by Council towards the end of November / beginning of December. All applicants are notified as to the result of Council’s decision. Members of the commissions and committees are informed of the first meeting of their specific group in the upcoming year.
If you are interested in serving on one of these commissions or committees at any time, please contact the Administration Department. We will retain your contact information so that we can inform you about the deadlines for submissions in the fall.
