Langley Township has taken over the Langley RCMP detachment building that used to be part of a shared policing agreement with the City of Langley.
The Township "has assumed all right, title, and interest in the Langley RCMP Detachment police building, alterations, and equipment therein, and is now the sole owner and operator of this facility, although it is expected the City will continue to temporarily use this facility while it finds a new location for its own police building," said a Township press release issued Saturday.
It advised the "City and Township of Langley Police Capital and Operations Cost Sharing Agreement, which provided a basis for an integrated policing model between the Township and the City, has been terminated as of May 10, 2025, after a required two-year notice period."
It noted that in 2023, Township of Langley Council unanimously passed a resolution to terminate the Agreement and de-integrate the joint Langley RCMP Detachment, resulting in the continuation of RCMP services through autonomous detachments for both the Township and the City.
“There is no doubt that Township residents and taxpayers will be well-served, and better served, with an autonomous RCMP detachment. The Township is here to help as the City establishes and resources its own autonomous detachment,” said Township Mayor Eric Woodward.
The press release said Township Council has committed to funding new RCMP officers and investing in public safety as the Township experiences record population growth.
Despite the change, “the Township has gone to great lengths to ensure there will be no reduction in policing services or community safety following de-integration,” said Mayor Woodward.
“The Township has been and is offering the City the option to enter into temporary transitional service agreements for use of the Township RCMP detachment building and other resources at market rates. While the City of Langley is yet to come to the table, we will continue to assist where needed."
In the announcement, Langley RCMP’s officer in charge, Supt. Harm Dosange said “the RCMP will continue to provide all policing services required to keep residents safe across Langley, and there will be no interruption to service delivery as a result of de-integration.”
Township of Langley residents and City of Langley residents can continue to access all RCMP services by calling 9-1-1 or the non-emergency line, or in person at the main Township RCMP Detachment building or any of the community policing offices.
Langley City released a statement Monday morning hat said "as expected" the Township terminated the Police Capital and Operations Cost Sharing Agreement with the City, which has been in place since 1993.
The City press release said it was important to clarify that the agreement on the detachment building at 48A Ave. and 222 St. is "not the same" as the Township’s call for de-integration.
Any de-integration of policing requires approval from the provincial government, which has not happened, the City said.
“Langley City Council is unanimous in its belief that de-integration of the Langley RCMP Detachment will not improve the quality, efficiency, or effectiveness of policing in Langley,” City Mayor Nathan Pachal said.
