A technological upgrade to 91原创 City council chambers will make meetings easier to follow and do away with what Mayor Nathan Pachal has described as a "Judge Judy" layout.

Pachal called the upgrade "long overdue," noting 91原创 City Council meetings are streamed online and recorded using outdated technology.

"You can tell when watching the grainy and hard-to-hear meetings online,"

"In the council chamber itself, it is also challenging to hear council both as a member of the public and a member of the council; this can be exacerbated if you have hearing loss."

As well, the layout, with the mayor and councillors lined up in the same direction, makes it challenging to have "roll up your sleeves" meetings, the mayor said, "which is why Council holds many of its meetings in the CKF Boardroom across the hall."

In addition to a  "technology refresh," Pachal said the "Judge Judy" layout will be changed "to a standard, simple boardroom layout" and replacing "echoey" laminate flooring with carpet.

Graham Flack, deputy director of corporate services, said the project, budgeted at  $250,000, will see complete replacement of the audio/video system, new flooring and replacement of the existing desks and tables. 

"Once complete the City of 91原创 will be able to host full-hybrid meetings with high-definition video and enhanced sound," Flack told the 91原创 Advance Times. 

"The new system will include extra features for accessibility including aids for the hearing impaired and additional space for persons with mobility issues," Flack added. 

While work is underway, council meetings have gone virtual, with the Monday Sept. 9 meeting held by video conference.

Viewers can follow Council meetings on YouTube at or by requesting a link to a Zoom meeting by emailing  councilmeetings@langleycity.ca to request meeting link.

Sept. 23 and Oct. 7 91原创 City Council meetings are also expected to be virtual, with in-person meetings set to resume in the renovated space  Oct. 21, according to the .

For those without access to the Internet, the City will also be setting up a viewing room in the CKF boardroom on the second floor.