“Beginning in the early 2000s, the story in Langley was one of collaboration and support from all levels, including the politicians. And then, of not being afraid. Being courageous enough to try and see how you do. But more importantly than that, it was one that developed a culture. And it takes time, it takes effort, it takes perseverance. It takes willpower to develop a culture,” states Ramin Seifi.

Resource protection – for groundwater supply and fisheries habitat – is the original driver for implementing ‘green infrastructure’ in Langley. For the past two decades, Township staff have learned and adapted.

Township of Langley experience shows what can be accomplished when Council, the community and staff are in alignment and embrace a ‘green culture’. Langley has led by example and implemented a ‘water balance’ approach to large-scale residential projects.

Rain gardens are standard practice in the Township to achieve water balance. Moving ahead on a ‘green’ platform gained momentum as standard practice evolved through ‘learn by doing’ experience. Successive councils found it easy to support the initiatives of staff.

Green Infrastructure Services is one of three departments that make up the interdisciplinary Development Services group. Departmental responsibilities include rain garden implementation through the development approval process.

“Langley’s approach to achieving water balance through green Infrastructure continued to evolve as successive neighbourhoods were built over the past two decades. In the beginning, the focus for Green Infrastructure was on what could be achieved within greenways,” continued Kim Stephens.

“Langley staff then turned their attention to rain gardens. Building on their history of successes, their next evolution was implementation of blue links, which is another name for rain gardens.”

“The term ‘blue link’ describes the purpose of the current drainage standard in Langley. It replaced the traditional curb-and-gutter detail for all but arterial roadways. The blue link is symbolic of the transformational change which has taken root in the Township in the 21st century as designing with nature became the ‘new normal’.”

“Replacement of curb-and-gutter with a blue link rain garden is a perfect illustration of integration in action. Everyone could see that it made sense. Because I could see the need from all angles, I said to staff ‘just do it’. Integration helps everyone get it,” reports Ramin Seifi.

“The Township needed more integration to respond to the demands on infrastructure and the risks to the environment resulting from rapid population growth. Achieving integration depended on the Township having a better structure.”

“When I reflect on my time with Langley Township, I hope my lasting contribution is the confidence that I instilled in people to not be afraid of trying something and being a champion for it. It is only through collaboration, from buy-in at all levels, that we can all be successful.”

“Instilling a culture takes years. We developed a culture that I hope future generations now take forward. It began humbly. It began with stormwater management and thinking about how we could retain water and allow it to infiltrate as opposed to getting rid of it quickly.”

“In my conversations with current and former senior level municipal staff around the Metro Vancouver region, there is a sense among them that the current generation of local government politicians appears more interested in appeasing a few people who are outspoken, as opposed to listening to the advice of their professional staff.”

“That is sad. That is why, more than ever, we need STRONGER CHAMPIONS and people who believe in what they are doing at heart.”