ERIC WOODWARD

Raised in Langley by his mother and grandparents, Eric learned the importance of hard work and making a difference matters. He attended HD Stafford and graduated from Langley Senior Secondary before earning his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of British Columbia. Langley is home, and the direction and success of this community is what matters most to him.

Eric began his professional career during the early days of the internet, co-founding several successful technology companies. In 1994, he left UBC during his fourth year to co-found Internet Direct, which became the largest internet service provider in Western Canada within six months. He later co-founded Mail.com, which completed a successful initial public offering on the NASDAQ in 1998, before selling his final technology company, DomainWorks, in 2007. After leaving the technology industry, Eric shifted his focus toward local community initiatives and finding ways to give back.

Beginning in 2005, Eric played a leading role in the revitalization of Fort Langley’s commercial core. Despite its rich history and potential to become a great walkable destination, Fort Langley had been neglected for many years. Eric stepped up to help create a vision for the village’s future and worked to make that vision a reality. Through the renovation of aging buildings, improvements to the retail tenant mix, and the development of the LEED Gold certified Coulter Berry Building, he helped redefine the village while respecting and preserving its character.

From 2012 to 2017, Eric served as President of the Fort Langley Business Improvement Association, where he worked with local partners to promote the village, expand events, and improve the streetscape. This included securing a major capital project to bury power lines and add new street lighting, helping create a more welcoming experience for residents and visitors. Today, the commercial core is more vibrant and successful than it has ever been.

Eric was elected to Township Council in 2018 and served one term before becoming Mayor in 2022. During his first term as Mayor, he has worked with Council to honour the contract made with residents while continuing to address the challenges that come with growth. His priorities have included improving roads and transportation networks, enhancing public safety, investing in parks and recreation spaces, and maintaining some of the lowest property taxes in the region.

Eric believes leadership means taking care of the Township today while making decisions that create lasting benefits for tomorrow. He believes progress comes from working together, staying focused on outcomes, and respecting what makes Langley special so future generations can be proud to call it home.