Township of Langley · 2026 · for council
Lauren Chalus
Langley Strong
Everything Lauren Chalus said on the record during the 2026 Township of Langley election, in their own words. 14 statements, grouped by subject. Nothing here is graded or summarised. Each Fort Langley question went to a few candidates, so the subjects reflect the questions they were given as well as what they chose to raise.
Housing and affordability
What would you want done to make it easier to build housing that people in the community can actually afford to buy? Should the Township act on development cost charges or the time permits take?
Thank you for the question Cory, and absolutely and I think we've been hearing a lot from the business community that the Township is quite unpredictable when it comes to development applications We're constantly hearing that the goalpost is moving and it's making it more challenging for businesses and developers so we would look to implement digital permitting and something similar to a 3-1-1 model that you are seeing in other municipalities I think we can learn from other municipalities on how they're doing it and how they're speeding up the permitting and licensing process because time is money and that cost is being put back on to the buyer or the tenant and that could be both from the residential or the commercial space Additionally when it comes to DCCs we do need to obviously use them because we do need to have growth paid for in some way when it comes to development cost charges but we also do need to diversify our industrial tax base and we need to expand and we need to look to continue with expanding and protecting employment lands across the Township Thank you.
Transportation and transit
A lot of amenities and infrastructure have been built in the Township in recent years. What are the biggest capital priorities you would advocate for going forward?
Thank you Cory, and Lauren Chalus with Langley Strong I think I'll start with BRT I think that is vitally important especially with the expansion that we have seen within the Township and I fully support it with the movement of people going from the Township and back and forth to Maple Ridge But also with the SkyTrain we need to be ready We need to have a plan in place to support the commuters whether that is bus feeder networks across the Township connecting into the core to be able to take the SkyTrain whether that's looking at a parking strategy so that we can make sure that commuters have somewhere to park to be able to safely and properly use the SkyTrain but as well approach or adopting the approach of park once and walk often And this could be having you know employment and commercial centers enforcing this so time limits associated with how long that people can park for better access for commercial and industrial to any new developments that we're planning up 200th because 200 it's likely going to be a commercial and employment hub. And we need to make sure that we are ready for it. Thank you,.
What is one achievable improvement to public transit that you would advocate for during your four-year term?
Thank you for the question. And we've been hearing a lot from residents that having better transportation in the township of Langley is something that's extremely important to them, and also specifically in Fort Langley. And our platform is committing to improving regional transportation and making sure that Langley is ready for the Skytrain. Part of that will include working with TransLink to design stronger feeder bus networks, as well as expanding the park and ride capacity, which I think is vitally important for our commuters. As well, we'll be working with neighboring municipalities to advocate for transportation investments across our region. This Skytrain is expected to be done in 2029, and we need to be ready. Good transportation is not just about building a Skytrain. But making sure that every community will actually benefit from it.
Other
What kind of leadership or decision-making style would you bring to the role, and why is your voice beneficial at the table?
Thank you so much Cory and for me it's about respect we have to be respectful to one another no matter what the problem is or to the decision but what I like to always lead by is we need to be hard on the problem and not on the people and that is something that I carry with me through my work we need to have dialogue and I find that some of the best decisions and outcomes usually come when there is a disagreement at the start and I welcome that and for me what I feel that my style brings to the table is I have over 11 years in the project delivery space and I have been part of some very controversial high-profile projects where people do not like what I'm doing and I have experience with having those hard discussions having that dialogue collaborating listening to the community and seeing if we can find solutions that people can live with and for me that is what I'm planning to bring to the table you know I know that we're gonna going to have to make hard decisions I know that they're going to have be large projects but for me I will always lead with kindness and I look forward to … hopefully getting your vote on October 17th.
Public safety and enforcement
Question 1: Bylaw enforcement culture
I align and support the above platform that my Langley Strong team shared so far. Review the Soil Deposit and Removal Bylaw with the AAC, the LFI and other stakeholders. Rural enforcement team (focus on soil, ditch filling and truck parking)
Agriculture and rural land
Question 2: Truck parking and the rural plan
We need to update the rural plan! Work to find parking solutions with industry and province. Increase enforcement and keep trucks on trucking routes. Include public input, farmers, Ag and Rural Stakeholders. Focus on zoning concerns.
Water and aquifers
Question 3: Water, aquifers and zoning
Water is fundamental for farming and groundwater is part of Langley's overall water supply. We need to properly map and protect vulnerable aquifers and recharge areas, and that work belongs in the new rural plan. Before approving development, fill or other uses over a vulnerable aquifer, we should understand what impact it could have on the water underneath.
Question 3: Water, aquifers and zoning
Water is critical for rural growth; identify vulnerable aquifers/recharge. Make these part of the new rural plan. Township should see the impact before approving new developments. Zoning details should also be transparent- soil, ditches, subdivision and density are in our control for approvals. Full aquifer map goes in rural plan, every application get tested on impact on aquifer.
Heritage and character
Following the loss of the historic McIver House in Glen Valley, what should the Township do to identify and protect vacant or at-risk heritage buildings?
Thank you for the question. And the loss of the McIver House was heartbreaking for the community, and I think we saw the public outcry online. And as a member of the Heritage Advisory Committee, it was definitely very upsetting to see, but part of our plan would be to work with the Heritage Advisory Committee or the Langley and Aldergrove Heritage Society to identify vacant or at-risk heritage buildings before they are lost. We would also look to expand awareness of heritage grants and incentives to help owners find practical and financially available options. The township, of course, cannot force any private landowners to restore heritage buildings, but it can make preserving one easier and more affordable. Our heritage tells the story of our community and when it's gone, it's gone. Thank you.
Growth and density
Several recent proposals in Fort Langley have included taller, higher density buildings. What building heights and density levels do you consider appropriate for the village core?
Lauren Chalus Langley Strong, and we've heard from so many residents in Fort Langley that they're extremely worried about the loss of character and community feel, and I know I personally am too. Part of our plan is that I would support keeping the village core primarily low-rise, and this is already envisioned in the existing plan. I would also look to update the community plan and zoning bylaw with clear, enforceable standards for heights, setbacks, and designs. You know, this would all be done, of course, with public consultations, so residents feel like you actually have a real voice in the matter. Fort Langley's character is one of its greatest strengths, and it's honestly the jewel of the township, and it's extremely important to me. Thank you so much.
Opening and closing statements
Opening statement, Chamber of Commerce forum
Thank you and good evening everyone. My name is Lauren Chalus and I'm running for Township Council with the Langley Strong team. I'm a young professional whose career has been focused on delivering major capital projects across both BC and Alberta, including on some of Canada's largest. Throughout my career, I have worked with all levels of government, from municipal with federal regulators, the province, indigenous nations, and with communities to move complex projects forward. I've also been on the other side of the table as a project proponent, working through Township approvals and permitting processes. I understand what helps projects succeed and what creates unnecessary delays and costs. I've also proudly served on the Township's Heritage Advisory Committee for over two years. I'm running because I believe that businesses deserve a Council that is transparent, predictable, and focused on getting things done the right way. Local businesses create jobs, they support our community, and they build a stronger local economy for everyone. Thank you and please vote Langley Strong.
Closing statement, Chamber of Commerce forum
Thank you. Businesses need a Council that understands what it takes to invest, build, and grow in our community. My career has been about problem solving, bringing people together, and navigating complex processes while balancing public interests. I'm Lauren Chalus and on October 17th, I hope that you vote for Langley Strong. I'm number one on the ballot, so please vote or save your first vote for me. Thank you.
Opening statement
My name is Lauren Chalus and I'm running for Township of Langley Council with the Langley Strong team. I'm a young professional whose career has been focused on delivering major capital infrastructure projects across BC and Alberta, including on some of Canada's largest. I want to bring that experience in project delivery, consultation, and accountability to the council table. I've also proudly served on the Township's Heritage Advisory Committee for over two years, where I have first-hand experience in seeing why Fort Langley's unique character in heritage matters. I'm running because I believe we can restore respect to our local government through transparent governance, fiscal responsibility, and decisions that put our community first. Thank you for having me this evening, and I look forward to the discussion.
Closing statement
Lauren Chalus, Langley Strong. Thank you again to the FLCA for hosting us tonight and for everybody who attended this evening. I hope that you've heard that I am someone who believes in respectful leadership, practical solutions, and making decisions that people can actually trust. I want to bring my experience delivering major projects, working with communities, and solving difficult problems to the township council. I'm Lauren Chalus, and on October 17th, I'm asking for your support. I'm number one on the ballot, so please save your first council vote for me. Thank you.
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Last reviewed October 2, 2026.