Can Langley Township afford to replace its councillor who became an MLA?

To hold a byelection or not?

Questions have been raised in Langley Township about whether it could avoid a costly vote, despite the province saying it must go through with the process of replacing a vacant council seat.

Coun. Misty van Popta jumped to provincial politics and was elected as an MLA last fall, and a recent provincial law bans MLAs from also sitting on municipal councils.

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Mayor Eric Woodward is not enthusiastic about holding a byelection — which he says could cost up to an estimated $500,000 — with a general civic election on the horizon in October 2026.

“Some councillors are asking if it really makes sense, given that the Township of Langley, thanks to the provincial government, is now facing two local elections in less than a year,” Woodward told 1130 NewsRadio.

Woodward says it is unlikely the Township of Langley could avoid holding the byelection, but he points to a similar situation in another municipality.

“The City of Coquitlam faced the same thing in 2021. They had a vacancy and they were required to hold a byelection and they simply refused.”

Before a byelection is held, the township must appoint an election officer. Once that happens, the municipality must hold a vote within 80 days.

Township council received a list of potential candidates for election officer from staff on June 23, and are due to vote on their selection at the next meeting on July 7.

“But until that council vote occurs, it’s not proceeding,” Woodward said.

In a statement to 1130 NewsRadio, the Ministry of Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs says Langley is required to hold a byelection “as soon as practicable.”

A spokesperson says it is not unusual for local governments to hold byelections the year before a general local election, especially if a provincial or federal election has recently occurred.

“The Ministry is aware of at least four local governments currently conducting by-elections, and two others that are planning for by-elections in the fall. If a local government fails to hold a required by-election, the Minister may order the local government to arrange for the by-election to be conducted or set a general voting day and make arrangements for the by-election to be conducted,” said the spokesperson.

Mayor Woodward says it is clear they are required to hold the byelection, but argues that provincial legislation doesn’t always follow common sense.

“We are facing two local elections in less than a year for about a million dollars. Is that a common sense thing to be doing? It’s irrelevant because that’s what’s required,” he said.

“I think it is deeply unfortunate that the BC NDP government decides to overturn an election result and remove a councillor from office, causing this byelection. Hopefully they will agree to pay for it since they caused it.”

The ministry indicates that will not happen.

“The costs of the by-election would be borne by the local government. This authority has rarely been used. Ministry staff will generally reach out to communities first and work with them to identify a timeline that works for the by-election and support them to identify and appoint a CEO if needed.”