200 Street in Willoughby could add 100,000 residents

Almost 100,000 more people could live within 800 metres of 200 Street in Willoughby once the area is fully developed, according to a preliminary Township report.

At the July 15 meeting, the last of the summer, Langley Township council unanimously voted to defer considering the report on 200 Street 2040, a study on transit-oriented development along the corridor through the Willoughby neighbourhood.

The document, which outlines a potential vision for the area, suggests three “transit villages” at 72, 80, and 86 Avenues, each based around a future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station. They were dubbed the Gateway, the Hub, and the Commons, from north to south.

The Gateway, close to the highway interchange and with existing office buildings, would be more business- and job-oriented. In the center, the hub at 80 Avenue, where the Langley Events Centre sits, would have a focus on community and civic events. At the south, the Commons would be more residential in nature, with professional services and seniors residences. All three areas would have some residential component.