The Township of Langley is on the rise. As the community prepares for future growth fueled in part by the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension, Mayor Eric Woodward and his Council team are tackling the challenges of ensuring infrastructure keeps pace while preserving the community for future generations.
Woodward grew up in Langley as the oldest of three, raised by his mother and grandparents. He understood early on that if he wanted to make a difference, he would have to work hard and make every decision matter.
From his degree from UBC to founding several successful tech companies to revitalizing Fort Langley, Woodward says the common thread has always been finding ways to leave things better than he found them: “Langley has always been my home, and it’s been a privilege to have played a part in its immense progress these last eight years. Though the journey hasn’t been linear, a lot of great work has been accomplished with more to do. I know there are concerns about how we’re growing as a community, and I share them. But as Mayor, I’ve been proud to have the opportunity to balance our community’s needs by phasing some development and then ensuring our infrastructure and recreation facilities can keep up for current and future generations of Langley residents. We have to get things done.”
Under Woodward's leadership, the Township has invested in roads, parks, and recreation facilities, needed after years of inaction. Projects like the widening of 208 Street, more of Fraser Highway, and the first phase of the 212 Connector aim to ease congestion and connect to new schools, while new park amenities and improvements such as at Aldergrove Athletic Park, Josette Dandurand Northeast Latimer Park, finishing Yorkson Community Park and a new Pump Track, the new Smith Athletic Soccer Campus, and Willoughby Pickleball Courts reflect an investment in the Township’s quality of life.
Beyond roads and recreation, public safety has also been a key focus over the past four years. Langley has seen a stronger emergency response capacity with the addition of 39 firefighters and the opening of the new Brookswood-Fernridge Fire Hall 5, while the Township of Langley - RCMP detachment has grown with 11 additional officers. These investments have contributed to a safer community, with the Township’s Crime Severity Index declining in recent years.
"I've always been a builder. Whether it was growing businesses or revitalizing our community, I've been motivated by finding practical ways to make things better. We've achieved so much over the past four years, and I'm excited about getting more things done- things Langley needs to be a complete community, prepared for the future,” he adds.
He’s also built a talented team of individuals from unique backgrounds and experiences. One of the “new” candidates running for a seat on Council is Sarb Rai, the first woman of South Asian descent to be elected as School Trustee in the Township of Langley. If elected in October, she would again be the first, breaking another glass ceiling to bring more complete representation to Council.
“The gravity of these historic achievements isn’t lost on me, but it’s not what drives me. I want to be a positive role model for my daughters, and to girls and women in Langley who’ve ever doubted themselves when trying to reach their goals. It hasn’t been a smooth path to get here, but I am proud of the work I’ve been able to do to help parents and families navigate our education system,” says Rai.
Rai never imagined running for office until her son was diagnosed on the autism spectrum at the age of 5, and then later her daughter's experience being severely bullied in school. Both experiences exposed the challenges faced by many parents with the education system. Having been a civil servant for 27 years with Citizenship and Immigration Canada and then the Canada Border Services Agency, she was compelled to step up to serve Langley residents in 2022 by advocating for more support for students with diverse needs.
Reflecting on her time as a school trustee, she says, “During my term, I met so many parents who aren't just worried about education. They're worried about whether their children will be able to buy a home or build a future here in Langley. Those are the questions that keep me up at night, and they're why I'm running for Council."
After serving the Township of Langley first as a Councilor and then Mayor, Woodward remains focused on building for the future because what he wants most is to share his hometown with everyone who wants to live and love Langley the way he does.
"I've met so many residents who care deeply about Langley," Woodward concluded. "I'm looking forward to hearing what they also want to see for our Township's future."
As Langley prepares for continued growth, Woodward and his Progress for Langley team are asking voters for four more years to continue moving forward, continuing the momentum, and getting even more things done for residents and taxpayers
Learn more about Eric and the Progress for Langley team at www.progressforlangley.org.
General Voting Day is October 17, 2026.
