A Landmark Book
City of Langford Living the Life- Michael Wicks
City of Langford Living the Lifestyle Michael Wicks
1 Goldstream Park 2 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle City of Langford Living the Lifestyle
“The City of Langford made itself a North American leader in sustainable development. What other communities are discussing in theory, Langford is implementing in
practice. Environmental initiatives, economic incentives, public transportation and the well being of its citizens are areas of which other cities can learn from Langford.
Bold vision, creative thinking and outstanding leadership made the city what it has become.”
- Avi Friedman, Ph.D., Professor of Architecture, McGill University, Montreal
“I am very impressed by the bright and fresh new look that has transpired in Langford. They have created a welcoming and vibrant city centre with brick sidewalks leading
through upgraded landscapes and easily reached businesses. This combined with the variety of large major shopping options and recreation activities in close proximity,
make Langford an appealing destination. They should be very proud of the significant physical improvements that have been made to enhance the appearance and
vitality of their community.”
- Mayor Larry Cross, Town of Sidney
“Langford offers a wonderful variety of ways to be active and pursue a vibrant, healthy lifestyle. The Province is especially pleased to have contributed to City Centre Park -
it is indeed the hub of the community’s entertainment zone.”
- Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
3 A Landmark Book Published by: Blue Beetle Books Inc. (in association with Penfold Publishing) Victoria, BC Tel: 250.704.6686 www.bluebeetlebooks.com
ISBN: 978-0-9733307-2-4
City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Copyright © 2011 Michael Wicks First published in 2011- all rights reserved
This book was produced in collaboration with the City of Langford, British Columbia, Canada. Blue Beetle Books would like to thank the Mayor and council, and city administration, for all their help in making this book a success. We would also like to thank Langford’s Community Champions for their support.
To inquire about having a Landmark book published, or to purchase additional copies of this book call: 250.704.6686 or email: [email protected]
Blue Beetle Books Inc. has made every effort to ensure the information in this book is up to date and accurate, however, neither the company nor the author can guarantee that all information provided to the writers and editors is without errors or omissions. Readers are advised to contact the City of Langford for further information, or to confirm the accuracy of statements and statistics contained in this publication.
City of Langford Tel: 250.478.7882 www.cityoflangford.ca
Publisher: Michael Wicks Contributing writer: Ingrid Vaughan Editors: Rick Stiebel and Trent Campbell Cover design and book layout by Tom Spetter
© All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS STATEMENT form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or Blue Beetle Books saved the following resources by stored in a retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher. Reviewers may quote printing the pages of this book on chlorine free paper brief passages in conjunction with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper made with 10% post-consumer waste. or broadcast.
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Environmental impact estimates were made using the Environmental Paper Network Paper Calculator. For more information visit www.papercalculator.org. C016245 Table of Contents
Langford, Tomorrow’s City Today...... 6 Chapter Three - A Green Community...... 52 Langford’s Awards...... 7 Green Action Initiatives...... 54 Foreword...... 9 A Green Pedestrian Highway to the Future...... 58 Langford - 18 Years of Progress...... 10 A Blooming City...... 61 Langford’s Coat of Arms...... 11 Chapter Four - A Caring Community...... 64 Chapter One - A Vibrant Community...... 12 Reaching Out to Create Brighter Futures...... 67 Fabulous Outdoor Amenities...... 14 SportAssist...... 70 An Active Community...... 19 Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament...... 71 City Centre Park...... 24 Rugby Canada and the City of Langford - What a Team!...... 27 Part Two - Community Champions...... 72 A Golfer’s Paradise...... 28 Westshore Developers Association...... 74 Sustainable Transport - Now and in the Future...... 30 The Market on Millstream...... 76 The Langford Trolley...... 31 Westhills...... 78 Retail Heaven...... 32 Rugby Canada...... 80 Goldstream Provincial Park...... 35 Johns, Southward, Glazier, Walton & Margetts...... 82 Coming Together...... 36 Langford Lanes...... 84 The Alpine Group...... 86 Chapter Two - A Progressive Community...... 38 City Centre Park...... 88 Building Langford’s Future ...... 41 Kettle Creek Station...... 90 Langford’s Neighbourhoods...... 43 Doing Business in Langford...... 92 A Vibrant Business Community...... 48 Hi-Tech Langford...... 49
Table of Contents 5 Langford, Tomorrow’s City Today
angford is a city on the move, led by a Mayor and council with extraordinary vision. This Lbook celebrates Langford’s achievements in the 18 short years since it incorporated as a city. Its transformation from a bedroom community of Greater Victoria, to a thriving, bustling, leading-edge destination for shopping and recreation is truly amazing.
In recent years a dozen or more big box stores have appeared, a quiet mall has become an exciting and vibrant place to shop and new malls have opened. Main street has re-invented itself as Goldstream Village, a boutique-shopping, coffee-sipping urban oasis full of palm trees, flowers, and dancing musical jets of water from an island fountain.
Thousands of homes have been built, from affordable housing units to luxury mountainside homes as people flock to enjoy the incredible array of amenities on offer. World-class sports fields have been built, along with an arena featuring a national hockey league-size sheet of ice, a next generation tenpin bowling facility and a fully digital, state-of-the-art, seven screen movie theatre.
As the population has increased, businesses across all sectors have chosen to relocate here. They are welcomed by this forward-thinking city which facilitates and partners with developers and business owners.
From tree-lined boulevards to a green pedestrian highway, Langford is the epitome of a sustainable community - one that people are proud to call home.
Michael Wicks, Publisher: Blue Beetle Books
6 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Langford’s Awards
Justice Institute of BC Foundation Heroes and Rescue Award (2010) Planning Institute of British Columbia (2005) Award of Excellence For Providing Humanitarian Relief to the Victims of the 2010 Haiti (Honourable Mention) Earthquake Crisis City of Langford Affordable Housing Project
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (2009) Winner: Communities in Bloom (2005, British Columbia) “5-Blooms” Residential Development 20,000-50,000 Category, Special Mention – Rehabilitation of Waterways (City of Langford Affordable Housing and Amenity Contribution Policy) Canadian Institute of Planners (2004) Award for Planning Excellence Planning Institute of British Columbia (2009) Award of Excellence in the Category of Impact on the Profession for Addressing the Interface Jointly Developed Official Community Plan (with the City of Colwood) Fire Hazard
Communities in Bloom (2008, National), “5-Blooms” Planning Institute of British Columbia (2004) Award of Excellence 20,000-55,000 Category, Recognition for Sustainable Development (Honourable Mention) City of Langford Downtown Revitalization Plan Canadian Institute of Planners (2008) Award for Planning Excellence in the Category of Housing (Honourable Mention) Communities in Bloom (2004, British Columbia) “5-Blooms” City of Langford Affordable Housing Strategy 20,000-50,000 Category, Floral Displays
International Northwest Parks and Recreation Association (2008) Communities in Bloom (2003, British Columbia) “3-Blooms” Design of the Year Award 20,000-50,000 Category, Environmental Awareness Special Mention City Centre Park Provincial Capital Commission (2000) Greenway Award for Partnerships Communities in Bloom (2007, British Columbia) “5-Blooms” 20,000-50,000 Category, Recognition for Bear Mountain Development Canadian Institute of Planners (2000) Award for Planning Excellence (Grand Prize) for District of Langford Trail Master Plan Communities in Bloom (2006, National), “4-Blooms” 20,000-50,000 Category, Recognition of Landscaped Areas Provincial Capital Commission (1999) Greenway Award for Achievement Awards 7 Goldstream Park 8 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Foreword
ooperation is the key to Langford’s transformation Cfrom a sleepy suburb to a progressive, thriving city that is the envy of the region. The ability to work together that embodies Langford council, city staff, the business and development community and our residents has spearheaded the innovations and improvements we have been able to achieve since incorporation in 1992.
Our vision from the beginning was to build the kind of community that offers the best of everything for everyone, regardless of age or income. Langford offers a superb blend of natural beauty, recreation, shopping, entertainment and business and employment opportunities you simply won’t find anywhere else.
We’ve been able to beautify our downtown core, add carefully planned infrastructure, a great range of choices in housing and neighbourhoods, an outstanding variety of recreational options for people of all ages, and an award-winning trail system while maintaining some of the lowest taxes on Vancouver Island.
Whether you’re just planning a visit, looking to relocate or open your business, raise a family or retire, Langford has everything you’re looking for right now, and we’re adding more excitement all the time.
Mayor Stew Young
Foreword 9 Langford - 18 Years of Progress
angford did not see the growth experienced by its neighbour Victoria Lduring the early nineteenth century, and for that matter most of the twentieth, and for the longest time was a small town lacking an identity. That, however, all changed in December 1992 when Langford incorporated and turned from what many called an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan (and the fastest growing municipality, for its size, in British Columbia). At the beginning of 1992 Langford had 25 per cent unemployment and its residents were leaving in droves. It was in 1992 that local businessman Stew Young became a councillor in a town that had no street lights, no sidewalks, and pot holes in the streets. There was nothing for young people to do and vandalism was rife.
One year later he became Mayor and, with the help of a progressive council, all that began to change. It was in this environment that he reduced taxes by ten per cent to encourage businesses to take a new look at the town. His plan was simple - reduce taxes, create jobs, increase recreational opportunities and beautify the community.
Fast forward almost twenty years and Mayor Stew Young is still at the helm, but the City of Langford itself has changed dramatically. The catalyst was inviting the Big Boxes to the community. As the Mayor says, “Like them or hate them Big Boxes are part of the community - people drive a long way to visit them. None of the improvements we have done would have been possible without the Big Boxes and of course Bear Mountain.”
Langford has won national Communities in Bloom awards, it has the best recreational facilities of any town its size and businesses are flocking to open Downtown their doors in this amazingly forward-looking and exciting small city. 10 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Langford’s Coat of Arms
angford’s coat of arms was created specifically to incorporate components citizens in defense of the community’s interests. To complete the symbolism Lof Captain Langford’s family crest along with all the elements that make the tiger has a collar of white dogwood flowers, the provincial flower of Langford special. One can learn a great deal about Langford just by taking British Columbia. a look at the symbolism the coat of arms contains. Holding the shield (the supporters) are a gold tiger (to the left) wearing The red and gold bars on the shield are taken directly from a collar of purple lavender, and a gold female cougar sporting the personal heraldry of Captain Edward Langford, a a collar of Cheals Weeping Crab Apple flowers that represent Hudson’s Bay Company farm manager who managed Langford’s official tree and symbolize the city’s natural heritage a farm in the area. Red represents the rocks through and beauty. which the city’s rivers flow while gold represents water, in particular the Goldstream River. This all sits on what is known, in heraldic terms, as the The wavy lines in the lower half of the shield compartment. Here we see references to the city’s represent a waterfall at Goldstream. At the top parks, lakes, rocky outcrops, coniferous forests and of the shield the blue section represents Langford’s the majestic Arbutus tree. Taking pride of place in the three beautiful lakes: Glen Lake, Langford Lake centre we see a golden salmon, drawn in traditional and Florence Lake. Salish style, to celebrate the yearly salmon run at Goldstream Park and to recognize First Nations Resting on the shield is a helmet with flowing people of the region. mantling (this was the protective linen covering worn by knights from their helmets) in red The motto “Golden in Setting, Determined in and gold. Above it is the crest consisting Spirit” refers to the natural beauty of the City of of a mural coronet and crenelated stone Langford, in particular Goldstream Provincial crown (the traditional heraldic symbol for Park, and comments on the community’s desire municipal government) from which a tiger to be good stewards of the environment; to rises holding a locomotive wheel. This represents the historic secure a strong future and to strengthen Langford’s special character. The E & N Railway, and by extension the ongoing importance of transport to the thought and care that has gone into the creation of Langford’s coat of arms is community. The tiger itself represents the determined spirit of Langford’s itself symbolic of this community and its positive outlook. Coat of Arms 11 Community is the crucible for many of the most ‘‘
important determinants of health as the place
where we live, learn, work and play – our homes,
‘‘schools, workplaces and neighbourhoods.
- Dr. Trevor Hancock
Act Locally: Community-based Population
Health Promotion, 2009
Chapter One A Vibrant Community
12 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Goldstream Station Market
here are many factors that influence the health and vitality of a community. By all definitions, the City of Langford demonstrates the Tfundamental signs of a vibrant community.
Affordable housing, award-winning neighborhood design, green space, agricultural land reserves and BuiltGreen™ developments are testament to a community committed to the environment and long-term sustainability. A strong, vital business community contributes to stable employment and economic resilience in the region. The city’s gorgeous natural resources and strong commitment to sport and leisure opportunities for children and families are second-to-none, and the sense of shared pride and cultural diversity in the community is evident everywhere. Retail options satisfy every type of shopper and city amenities contribute to living the lifestyle. Add to all this a practical, caring approach to meeting local, regional and international needs and you have all the hallmarks of community health.
As vibrant communities and healthy cities go, Langford leads the way. Chapter One: A Vibrant Community 13 Fabulous Outdoor Amenities
art of Langford’s charm is its natural beauty, with nearly every outdoor Pamenity a nature lover could imagine just minutes away. Dense, old-growth Parks forests speak out from a deeply spiritual and historical place. Pristine lakes Langford residents can relax and play in a variety of park settings. With invite visitors to walk, swim, fish, and bask along their shores. Winding trails provincial, regional, sports and urban parks to choose from, there’s no excuse call to seasoned hikers and casual strollers to engage with nature along the not to get out and enjoy the outdoors. way. A magnificent mountain demands commitment and fortitude to reach its summit, and rewards those who get there with spectacular vistas from its peak. Goldstream is Langford’s provincial park and is full of fun things to explore Langford is truly a special place. including a rare bastion of old-growth forest, a picnic area, a salmon river, a waterfall and its crowning glory, spectacular Mount Finlayson with numerous Parks, lakes and trails are the places people go when they want to unwind, trails leading to its summit. Not far away, Mt. Wells, a 123-hectare wilderness de-stress, exercise, and enjoy the natural world, and Langford offers a host of park, offers hikers a steep and challenging climb to its almost 1,200 foot opportunities to do just that. summit. For a less strenuous climb, Mill Hill regional park’s 660 foot summit is an urban oasis of Garry oaks and fir trees, all rewarded by spectacular views from the top.
For those looking for some team action, there are several sports parks in the area, including the Tom Gordon Memorial Field and Ed Fisher Memorial Field. Evenings and weekends, tiny T-Ballers to high school seniors can be seen in earnest competition. Langford’s urban parks are great places to have lunch or bring the kids to play. For instance, located halfway between Downtown and Langford Lake, Centennial Park is the perfect place for a family gathering, baseball game or tennis match. When the summer sun is shining, kids love the firefighter-themed splash park.
Veterans’ Memorial Park, situated on Goldstream Avenue, is the site of many of the city’s annual festivals and events; it’s also the location of the extremely Veterans’ Memorial Park popular “Music in the Park” on Sunday afternoons throughout the summer. 14 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Lakes No matter where you live in Langford, the fact that you can come home from work and within ten minutes, be swimming, fishing, or lying on the beach of one of Langford’s three lakes is truly something to treasure.
Florence Lake is one of Langford’s jewels; the perfect spot for a swim to cool off in the summer, or to hike around in the autumn when changing trees create a colourful, natural spectacle. Across town, Glen Lake is perfect for boating and fishing. You can launch a boat on the south side, or cast your line from the fishing platform to the north.
Langford Lake is the city’s largest lake and has the most amenities. This exceptionally clean lake is a popular swimming, boating, and fishing destination for residents and visitors. Numerous boardwalks, and shore access points, as well as a boat launch allow for great fishing opportunities, and several beaches and swimming platforms offer perfect spots to go for a dip in the summer heat, or simply float in a tube.
Florence Lake
Langford Lake Chapter One: A Vibrant Community 15 Lake Ida Anne
Langford Lake 16 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Langford Lake 17 Goldstream Park
Trails At the time of its incorporation in 1992, the City of Langford had only 1,486 linear metres of trails within its borders. By 2010, that figure The City of Langford is justly proud of its trails and encourages residents and had risen to an astounding 22,799 linear metres, an increase of visitors to wander around the whole city on foot, or by pedal power. From almost 1,500 per cent. In the last 22 years, Langford’s Trail Project challenging mountain climbs for experienced hikers, to walking trails and has received the Provincial Capital Commission’s Greenway Award for boardwalks surrounding the lakes for leisurely strolls, you’ll find a trail that Achievement (1999), the Provincial Capital Commission’s Greenway suits you perfectly. The ability to enjoy spectacular natural settings within a Award for Partnerships (2000) and the Canadian Institute of Planners’ short distance is one of the reasons Langford is attracting people of all ages. Grand Prize for Planning Excellence (2000).
18 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle An Active Community
Langford Lake
nown as one of the most progressive cities in Canada, Langford focuses Soccer is played on a Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) Keach year on many quality of life initiatives. Mayor and council continually standard pitch, which also meets national football league standards; an look for innovative projects, be it turning the city’s main street into an urban important consideration in being able to host provincial high school football utopia or creating a Green Pedestrian Highway, but they are probably most competitions. passionate about providing the best sport and recreational amenities of any city their size in Canada. The Sportsplex arena seats 500 people and features a regulation national hockey league-size sheet of ice that addresses the community’s increasing And, without question, they deliver; the new Sportsplex has been built to such demand for more minor hockey ice time. And, to highlight the city’s high standards it has become home to Rugby Canada. Residents can watch creativity, there is a river of ice that allows people to skate from the arena to the national team and Olympians practice on world-class artificial, all-weather the outer skating area, which itself turns into a children’s water park in the pitches while sitting comfortably in the 1,700 seat Bear Mountain Stadium. summer. Sheer brilliance! Chapter One: A Vibrant Community 19 Bear Mountain Stadium The recently rebranded Westshore Rebels moved to Langford in 2008 to take advantage of the first-class playing facilities at City Centre Park. Formerly the Victoria Rebels, this junior football team is in its 40th year playing football in Greater Victoria and now calls Bear Mountain Stadium home. The whole community has embraced the team, with local businesses rallying to provide significant financial support.
In a gesture that demonstrates that members of this community really care, the B.C. Junior Football League Rebels offer help with football programs in local schools. Building for the future is obviously important to the Rebels, who have seen many players go to university and play pro football. The team has one Superbowl champion and several Grey Cup champions among its alumni.
Langford’s not all about high-end sports; grassroots, family-centered sport is just as important, but the city recognizes that often it’s the higher-level teams that inspire youngsters to put on boots, skates, or helmets and take part in the first place.
Centennial park is home to Langford Minor Fastball where children as young as five years’ old play ball. The park has four baseball diamonds and can host tournaments and even provincial championships.
Back at Eagle Ridge Community Centre the excitement is non-stop as the arena hosts Lacrosse, Roller Hockey and Roller Derby featuring local teams such as The Eves of Destruction Roller Girls, Victoria’s Premiere Roller Derby League.
When the last tenpin bowling alley in Victoria closed its doors a few years ago, and the city heard loud and clear that locals wanted a bowling facility, plans were made to answer the call. In typical Langford fashion the new Glen Lake Langford Lanes bowling facility is like nothing you’ve ever seen. It’s hi-tech,
20 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle modern and hip, with 14 standard lanes and six in a VIP enclave for special functions and parties.
Living in Langford, you are never far from lakes, trails and parks. For those who like to cycle, or just walk, there are trails crisscrossing the entire city offering a wide variety of woodland, urban and lakeside experiences.
With several local lakes, some stocked annually, anglers find themselves spoiled for choice. The city has erected fishing platforms on most lakes, but the favourite place to fish for most locals is from small boats. Trout, bass and perch are plentiful and great fun to catch.
Western Speedway is one of the biggest entertainment attractions on Vancouver Island. With grandstand seating for 3,000, it offers everything West Shore Skatepark from stock cars and sprint cars to the outrageous demolition cars and trucks, and the crazy boat demolition competition.
For skateboarders, the West Shore Skatepark is the place to ride. It features quarter pipes, banks, flat bars, bowls, boxes, and down railed banks. On any given day you can see a host of youthful riders testing their mettle in the colourful, spacious park.
Langford is a city that takes family fun and healthy living very seriously and constantly strives to improve existing amenities, and add innovative new ones.
Bear Mountain Stadium
Chapter One: A Vibrant Community 21 22 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle The Westshore Rebels in action Photography by Jeff Morrison
23 City Centre Park
ver since the city’s incorporation, Langford Mayor and council’s vision has to get input on what was important to people; overwhelmingly, the need Ebeen to create an unparalleled centre for recreation that would meet the for recreational facilities came out on top. The city’s vision and the community’s needs of Langford residents, and draw people from other locations. In keeping wishes culminated in the development of City Centre Park. with its responsive nature, city council went to its residents to ask what they wanted, and envisioned, for their community in years to come. The city carried Council believed, right from the outset, that recreational opportunities were out surveys, held open houses and conducted town hall meetings and forums the core of healthy communities. So, it began delivering on its vision by 24 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle building a dry floor arena on an old potato field. Nothing like it existed in more opportunities for family fun. Two state-of-the-art all-weather pitches the area: today it houses a host of indoor activities at all levels (indoor soccer, came after that. These world-class fields are now home to the Westshore Rebels lacrosse, roller ball, hockey, and roller derby). Gerry St. Cyr, facility operator football team and to Rugby Canada’s high performance unit, and Olympic at City Centre Park, says they already need another arena, because they can’t program. Completing the facility are the brand new indoor ice rink and 20-lane accommodate everyone who wants to use it. state-of-the-art bowling alley.
St. Cyr, a former professional hockey player who has lived in New York, Los What is clear as one roams through this expansive facility, is that great care and Angeles and Las Vegas, chose to settle in Langford and raise his family. “It’s the thought went into designing it to meet the needs of the community. Little tykes best community I’ve ever lived in!” says St. Cyr. “Taxes never seem to go up; we bounce around in the ball-filled Playzone while their parents enjoy a coffee have fantastic amenities, community pride, and a city council that gets things and catch up with friends on the comfy leather couches. Older kids can enjoy a done.” The recreational corridor at City Centre Park is clearly an example of variety of organized sports, or have fun skating, bowling or playing mini-golf. the “things” to which St. Cyr refers. The Splash Park in the summer, and outdoor skating rink in the winter, make for great family fun all year round and sports fans of all ages can enjoy being After the dry floor arena, a themed mini-golf park and Playzone were built. The spectators at high-level sporting events at Bear Mountain Stadium. There really Splash Park in the summer/outdoor ice rink in the winter was next, bringing is something for everyone at City Centre Park.
Chapter One: A Vibrant Community 25 Surrounding the park are walking trails with outdoor fitness stations. You can walk or jog, stop to do some weight training, and then move on to the next station. No need to join a gym (although there’s a fitness centre in the dry floor arena for those who prefer not to battle the elements), as these free outdoor fitness stations provide an opportunity for everyone to become active.
Creating accessible recreational opportunities for everyone is what underpins council’s vision for a sustainable, healthy community. Recognizing that some kids were unable to participate in sports because their families couldn’t afford the fees, St. Cyr, with the enthusiastic support of Mayor Young, created a sports subsidy program called SportAssist. This program subsidizes sports activities for families who can’t afford them. Although some activities at City Centre Park require admission fees, others are free to Langford residents, making the facility accessible to everyone. In addition to being the recreational hub of the area, City Centre Park has also become a gathering place for the community. The dry floor arena hosts trade shows, business events, craft fairs, concerts, and a variety of other community events.
It started with a collaborative vision; it came to life because of a stalwart commitment. It lives and breathes because of an investment by the Mayor and council who dreamed it, and the community who benefits from it. City Centre Park is a truly unique Langford landmark that will endure for years to come, and one that will undoubtedly be replicated in communities across the country. “I’m blown away by what this city, the Mayor and this council, have accomplished.” says St. Cyr. “Their commitment to this vision is astounding, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
26 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle angford’s reputation as a forward-thinking, sport-centered community Rugby Canada Lattracted the Westshore Rebels to the city in 2008. Now, just two years later, Rugby Canada has decided to make City Centre Park and Bear Mountain Stadium the home of its high performance unit. An initial staff of 14 people and the City of Langford including coaches, medical staff, referees and some 70 national team and Olympic athletes will call Langford home as five men’s, and four women’s teams - What a Team! start training at the state-of-the-art, all-weather pitches in Langford. Graham Brown, CEO of Rugby Canada comments, “These pitches are world-class, as are all the facilities at City Centre Park.”
Toronto will still be home to administrative staff, and major international matches will continue to be played at BMO Field with its 20,000 seat capacity. However, when it comes to pure top class rugby action, Langford will be the best place in Canada to watch this increasingly popular sport. The men’s U17’s, and U20’s teams and women’s U18’s and U20’s, and senior men’s and women’s 15’s and 7’s teams will provide plenty of rugby to watch at Bear Mountain Stadium and Goudy Field (City Centre Park’s second all-weather pitch). A full slate of fixtures is planned from January through the end of May.
Even more exciting is the news that the entire Olympic rugby program will call Langford home. Soon residents will be rubbing shoulders with hopeful Olympians training for the 2016 summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro - the first time rugby has been featured since 1924.
The fact that Langford can attract national development teams, is testimony to the depth of commitment the city has to providing quality sport and recreational activities to the people of Langford. When asked why Rugby Canada chose Langford as its new home, Brown said, “Mayor and council bent over backwards to help us. It’s that level of support that encouraged us to bring
Canadian Scrumhalf Sean White, leaps to block a clearing kick from games here and not just use the facility for training, and to make the City of the Russian scrum at the 2011 Churchill Cup in England. Langford the centre of excellence for Rugby in Canada.”
Chapter One: A Vibrant Community 27 A Golfer’s Paradise
f you love to golf, you’ll love Langford. The city is home to three world-class Igolf courses, with several more within a few minutes drive.
Olympic View Golf Club was rated the 20th best golf experience in Canada and Rob Perry, courtesy of Olympic View Golf Club USA West, by Fairways and Greens magazine in 2006. It has also been featured in the top 35 public golf courses and top 50 of all golf courses in Canada by Golf stands out. There are two courses here - the Mountain Course and the Valley Course Ranking Magazine and Score Golf Magazine. Course - and both are truly superb.
None of this prepares you, however, for the sheer beauty of the course nor The Mountain course was built first and strikes a balance between playable and its deceivingly tricky holes. It’s one of those courses that a novice can play ultra-challenging. The Bear Mountain website quotes Jack Nicklaus as saying, alongside a handicap golfer and both will leave with a sense of achievement and “I think some of the holes out there are just unbelievably fantastic...there are 18 wonder. As for its scenic credentials, there are two spectacular waterfalls, twelve signature holes.” Players are treated to the most amazing views, especially from lakes, soaring trees, rocky outcroppings, deer galore and more eagles than you the 19th hole. No, it’s not the bar, but a true extra hole that allows players to can count. The one hole that you will always remember is the 17th, not because tee off straight into a picture postcard view of distant downtown Victoria, with it’s particularly tough, but because a waterfall drops 40-feet right behind the majestic Mount Baker in the background - just for fun! flag. Popular with brides, for that magic moment photo opportunity, this hole reminds many of a typical Hawaiian golf course. The Valley course is very different but no less beautiful in its own right. Usually, when we hear the phrase ‘peaks and valleys’, it’s in the context that peaks are After 18 holes of sheer splendour, Foresters Bistro and Bar offers you a chance good and valleys are bad, but that’s not the case at Bear Mountain. This new to sit and watch other golfers finish off their game, while you enjoy a meal made course wanders through the valley, crossing creeks and rivers and offering views from ingredients bought from local farms. A fitting end to a perfect day’s golf. of lakes and forest - all very typically west coast. It’s probably a little friendlier than its big brother, but there are still plenty of challenging holes to test even To the north lies the stunning Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa; the the best golfer. only 36-hole Nicklaus Design property in Canada. Set in the foothills of Mount Finlayson this jewel of a resort features a luxury Westin hotel, set in a village Golfing in Langford is an exercise in keeping your eye on the ball, because you perfect for après golf. But it’s the stunning scenery and the incredible golf that will be constantly tempted to lift your head to take in the awe-inspiring scenery. 28 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Bear Mountain Golf Resort - Mountain Course Chapter One: A Vibrant Community 29 Sustainable Transport Now and in the Future
he City of Langford straddles the Trans-Canada Highway fifteen Tkilometres north of Victoria, at the junction of Highway 14, which is at the geographical centre of the city’s two main areas of development, thereby giving the community excellent highway access.
Several new roads are either underway, or planned, that will connect the many exciting new residential and commercial developments in Langford with each other and the Trans-Canada Highway. Interestingly, all of this is being financed almost entirely by development with no tax burden on residents.
Langford puts great importance on providing its residents with an efficient, safe and green, multi-modal transportation system. This has resulted in the much touted Trolley system, a green pedestrian highway that crisscrosses the community, redbrick sidewalks and excellent access to public transit.
Langford sees future commuter rail as a vital component of its transportation system and the city is actively engaged in discussions with all levels of government to bring this exciting form of transport back to Langford, after an absence of many years. The downtown rail station is ready and waiting, and the people at Westhills have integrated commuter rail into the planning for its master-planned green community. Westhills’ future railway station is envisioned through an artist’s rendering shown here. 30 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Photo supplied by Westhills The Langford Trolley
an Francisco may be famous for its cable cars, or trams, but in this corner Sof Canada Langford is becoming known for its much loved “by donation” trolley service.
Launched in 2007 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the city’s incorporation, the service now links all of Langford’s neighbourhoods and connects residents with shopping, recreation, parks and other amenities in nearby municipalities.
The trolleys are painted bright red and green, and riders are charmed by the varnished wood, decoratively stencilled arched windows and brass poles. There is the feel of a bygone era about this mode of transportation that contrasts well with the city it services. Drivers are friendly, and happy to double as tour guides to visitors as they demonstrate pride in their community. If it’s safe they’ll even drop off passengers between official stops.
“I first got the idea for a free trolley system from looking at some examples in small towns in the U.S. and in particular talking to people in Santa Barbara, California,” says Mayor Young. The trolley concept has proved an affordable, sustainable, accessible and popular method of promoting the use of public There is something fun about seeing these trolleys trundling transportation in Langford. around the city. The trolley stops are brightly coloured and some of the shelters are architectural masterpieces. Drivers smile and The two trolleys were purchased by a local developer’s association and donated wave at you as they pass by and always look as if they have the to the city. This demonstration of civic support is commonplace in Langford. best job in the world. Many other amenities have been provided by the development community which states that its objective is to partner with the city in its efforts to build a This is just another example of Langford’s innovative complete community. thinking when it comes to building a sustainable community.
Chapter One: A Vibrant Community 31 Retail Heaven
Whether you’re a raging shopaholic, a casual window shopper, or a more direct “get ‘er done” kind of shopper, great places to shop are one of the ways that people define quality of life in a community. The City of Langford’s philosophy from day one was to make Langford the commercial hub for the lower Island. Over the last 10 years, Langford has become a shopping mecca and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Langford is THE place to visit the big box stores (Costco, Staples, Home Depot, Future Shop, Home Outfitters, and more), and offers everything from large retail chains for the bargain hunters, to unique little boutique shops for the most discerning of shoppers, to enticing second- hand stores that invite sustainable, affordable living. Millstream The City of Langford has always believed Langford aggressively pursued Costco to anchor its shopping district, knowing that commerce and sustainability go hand that this would attract other large retailers and big box stores to follow suit. And in hand and has paved the way for an follow they did. Today Millstream Village and the surrounding area houses a abundance of commercial opportunities. large number of big chain retailers, restaurants and smaller chain stores, and If a myriad of shopping options is an business is booming. Folks who live on the West Shore, as well as from Victoria indicator of a community’s quality of life, and as far away as Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, and Cobble Hill come to Langford Langford gets five stars for ensuring its to get the benefit of one-stop shopping. Everything from office supplies to residents and visitors have access to the electronics, home renovation supplies and decor, pet paraphernalia, clothing, best of everything. shoes, groceries, flooring and furniture can be found within a small radius. You can find virtually anything you need in this ever-expanding commercial hub, and the plentiful free parking is a huge draw. 32 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Goldstream Village Westshore Town Centre The city also had a big vision for its downtown core and the smaller retailers For many years, Canwest Mall (as it used to be known) was Langford’s only that did business there. Now, a downtown Langford revitalization project (aptly indoor mall and was THE shopping destination for West Shore residents. named Goldstream Village) has beautified the Avenue and made it pedestrian The expansion of this Centre to include big box stores, restaurants, financial friendly. It encourages visitors and locals to slow down; shop the fabulous institutions, and independent retailers has firmly established it as retail heaven variety of boutique stores, stroll past the fountain, stay for lunch or a coffee, and for residents and visitors. Those who’ve lived in the area for years can barely take in the beauty of this trendy urban environment. The big box stores attract remember the simplicity of the landscape when it was a small community mall. people to Langford, but it’s Goldstream Avenue that entices them to stay for a Now, it appears almost every time you visit something new is being built. The while and make a day of it. most recent addition of a seven screen, state-of-the-art, digital movie theatre is attracting folks from all over the region adding huge value to this already booming area. Ample free parking and a well-designed layout gives shoppers access to a variety of retail experiences - with indoor and outdoor access. Chapter One: A Vibrant Community 33 34GoldstreamCity of ParkLangford: Living the Lifestyle Goldstream Provincial Park
s soon as you enter Goldstream Provincial Park, just a few kilometres For the adventurous, a hike up to Niagara Falls with its 46.5 metre drop is well Afrom downtown Langford, you realize it is a very special place; it exudes a worth the effort, or for a more energetic climb Mount Finlayson stands guard mystical charm - a mix of energy borne from the First Nations people who have over the park, offering 360-degree views from the summit across southern fished here for centuries, the miners who came and dug for gold, the thousands Vancouver Island, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the stunning backdrop of the of salmon that spawn, and then die here every year, and the bald eagles who Olympic Mountains in Washington State. feast on their spent carcasses. But it’s the giant Douglas fir trees that take centre stage - when Captain Cook landed on Vancouver Island in 1778, these majestic For about nine weeks starting in mid-October, Goldstream becomes a magnet giants were already some 400-years old! for visitors and locals who flock to see the famous salmon run. Several thousand Chum salmon travel thousands of miles each year in this circle-of-life event, The park covers more than 1,100 acres and offers visitors a wealth of outdoor returning home to this world-class salmon spawning stream to ensure a new activities from a riverside picnic, to hiking and camping. During the spring rare generation. Although mostly Chum salmon, Coho and Chinook can also be seen wildflowers bloom throughout the park, including the Dense Spike Primrose spawning. The Visitor Centre offers many activities during the salmon run; a and the Calypso, a tiny and rare orchid. particular favourite, especially with children, is Gyotaku, Japanese fish printing.
Trails abound alongside the river bank and through the forest; Gold Mine takes In early December Bald Eagles arrive en masse. As many as 276 have been you to an old railway trestle, while Arbutus Loop allows you to wander through counted in one day as they visit the park to feast on the carcasses of dead a stand of beautiful Arbutus trees. Walking the Lower Goldstream trail you salmon, making this the largest concentration of these majestic birds of prey can spot mink and river otter, while on the Upper Goldstream, or Prospector’s in Canada. trails, you’ll pass by some of the largest trees in the park. Throughout the park there are abandoned gold mining shafts and tunnels, mute testimony to the Goldstream Park is a place for reflection, an outdoor recreational paradise, gold rush that occurred in the mid-19th century. and an educational wonder for people of all ages. Some have called it a “sacred place”. If you’ve ever looked up to the sky from underneath a magnificent A boardwalk allows wheelchair access along the river and by a well kept path to Douglas Fir, taken in the breathtaking vistas from atop Mount Finlayson, the Freeman King Visitor Centre, where there are interpretive programs along walked the rich lush trails that wind their way through the temperate rainforest, with exhibits and a video camera trained on a resident bald eagle. Just a few or marvelled at the natural mystery that’s almost palpable, you’ll probably agree. hundred yards farther on, the landscape opens up to reveal the Saanich Inlet Goldstream Park is magical. where the river meets the sea. Chapter One: A Vibrant Community 35 Coming Together
veryone loves a party, and the City of Langford is no exception. In Efact, almost every month of the year this community gets together to celebrate something. The level of participation, volunteerism, and the quality of Langford’s annual events is testament to the pride people take in being part of this community. Here are a few of the major events that take place each year.
O Siem BC Spiritfest This eclectic mix of commerce and culture derives its name and theme from the Coast Salish term O Siem meaning, “Welcoming and Honouring Guests.” This free February event provides a unique opportunity to Luxton Rodeo experience the commercial, cultural and artistic diversity of the West Shore. Each year in May, the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys’ Association, along with the World and Canadian Champion Cowboys come to Langford to participate in the Music in the Park Luxton Rodeo. Activities include traditional rodeo events, a midway and Every Sunday afternoon, during July and August, music lovers gather at great food. Experience a little bit of Texas on the Island! Veterans’ Memorial Park to tap their toes, sing along, and maybe even get up and dance to the tunes filling the summer air. This popular free event brings local musicians to the stage each week to sing and play for the crowds Luxton Fall Fair that gather on blankets and lawn chairs. Lunches and cool drinks emerge With all the hallmark country fair activities, Langford residents look from picnic baskets as families spread out and claim their piece of the park. forward to attending the Luxton Fall Fair in September. Prizes are awarded There’s magic in the music; it’s ageless, and from toddlers to seniors, the joy for the biggest and best in various categories and an open market where on people’s faces is magical too! vendors sell their fresh produce, crafts and canned goods is a crowd favourite. A midway, games, food, museum displays and live stage entertainment add to the festivities all day long. 36 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Other annual events: Christmas in the Park • Goldstream Market • Annual Rotary Chili Cookoff This much anticipated event marks, for many Langford families, the beginning of their Christmas season. Early in • Langford Days December, families enjoy an evening in the frosty outdoors with free hot dogs, hot chocolate, music and entertainment, and of course the lighting of the big tree. Kids wait in eager anticipation for the moment when the switch is thrown and • Mayor’s Golf Tournament the huge Christmas tree explodes with light; the crowd erupts with applause and cheers. Christmas has come to Langford! • BC Day at City Centre Park • Family Halloween Party at Eagle Festival of Lights Fire Truck Parade Ridge Community Centre • WestShore Craft Fair Every December, fire trucks from all over Greater Victoria arrive at City Centre Park for the annual WestShore • Remembrance Day Ceremony Chamber of Commerce Fire Truck Parade. The trucks are decked out with thousands of lights and elaborate decorations. Firetruck exhibits are judged and awarded prizes, and then take off to drive around Langford in a unique • Island Equipment Operators Association Big Truck Parade and magical parade. Afterward, Eagle Ridge Community Centre hosts indoor games, activities, and entertainment for the kids. It is, for many families, a favourite yuletide activity. • Family New Year’s Eve at Eagle Ridge Community Centre
Community pride abounds in Langford, and the regular coming together of the community is part of this city’s charm. Chapter One: A Vibrant Community 37 ‘‘
The great thing in the world is not so much where
we stand, as in what direction we are moving. ‘‘ - Oliver Wendell Holmes
Chapter Two A Progressive Community
38 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Kettle Creek Station: Photo supplied by Turner Lane Development Corporation
ver the last 20 years Langford has undergone a complete Only with a forward-thinking Mayor and council could the city have achieved so Otransformation. It began in earnest when the city welcomed much in such a short period. The rest of Greater Victoria looked on as Langford several big box stores to set up shop, and continued when it worked with built an amazing array of sports and recreation amenities; a community arena, developers to turn the massive Bear Mountain project - an up-market an ice skating arena, two world-class all-weather sports pitches, a bowling residential community and resort, featuring a spa and two world-class alley, a Playzone, Mini-Golf and Splashparks for children, making Langford a golf courses, into a reality. Then came new road infrastructure, redbrick recreational destination for the entire Capital Regional District. sidewalks, tens of thousands of trees, plants and shrubs, a quirky and free Most impressive is the fact that Langford did all this, and more, while barely trolley service and a completely revitalized downtown core. raising property taxes. Chapter Two: A Progressive Community 39 Langford Lanes Under Construction 40 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Building Langford’s Future
All this means that Langford is home to dozens of construction companies and a thriving construction industry. From Green Communities such as Westhills on Langford Lake, with some 6,000 homes planned on 200 hectares, to its next door neighbour Hull’s Field with 17 hectares of commercial businesses (also home to City Centre Park), leading edge development projects abound.
Along the west side of beautiful Langford Lake lies Goldstream Meadows, home to Kettle Creek Station’s unique, affordable micro-cottages and a new onstruction activity is a strong indicator of the health of a community. commercial and industrial park, showing, once again, that there’s nothing CIn Langford, commercial property is quickly leased and homes are being cookie-cutter about what’s going on in Langford. built at a prodigious rate. Bear Mountain’s impressive mountainside, residential development and resort, Visitors and residents are excited as they travel around the city and see the featuring two Nicklaus designed golf courses at its heart, dominates the western most spectacular developments breaking ground, offering architecturally approaches to the city and is home to thousands of Langford residents. beautiful vistas throughout the community. There is a tangible excitement in Langford and with it a constant expectation that something special is about To the south of Langford, development is planned at Olympic View Golf to happen. Course featuring both residential and commercial units on 53 hectares bordering the City of Colwood and the District of Metchosin. Statistics can sometimes be boring, but it would be wrong not to mention the sheer volume of construction taking place in this city of just 25,000 Add to this a major development at Skirt Mountain between the Trans- people. In 2009, the total value of construction was an amazing $97 million, Canada Highway and Bear Mountain; smaller residential and commercial primarily focused on single-family residential construction. By 2010, this had developments throughout the community; vast community ventures such as risen by nearly $15 million to $112 million and was centered on institutional City Centre Park and there’s no question that Langford’s tradespeople will never construction and multi-family dwellings. be short of work. Chapter Two: A Progressive Community 41 As the population grows, the city plans to balance commercial and residential growth by designating specific areas for commercial development.
While the rest of the world continued to experience tough economic times, Langford issued development permits for approximately 63,000 square feet of commercial/business park and industrial development in 2010; that’s 13 times more than in 2009. Mayor Stew Young says this is an indication that Langford is seen as an attractive place to do business. The housing mix, from affordable to luxury, makes it a great place for employees and their families to live.
This is a city that partners with current and prospective developers and helps facilitate solutions, rather than put forward obstacles.
This growth has allowed the city to move ahead with its plans to beautify the downtown core, add more bike lanes, sidewalks and recreational opportunities - all without increasing the burden on taxpayers.
Everywhere you look in Langford you will see new residential and commercial development along with local initiatives to improve the quality of life for its residents. Goldstream Meadows (a former gravel pit) is one of Langford’s best Veterans’ Memorial Parkway examples of industrial, warehouse and commercial planning. Companies such as major food distributor Sysco Canada rub shoulders with an impressive Harley-Davidson dealership. The business park features green Langford is a progressive city growing at a prodigious rate. boulevards, and warehouses are hidden behind high walls and gates that The city has always believed in creating sustainable, livable ensure a consistent, clean aesthetic. Kettle Creek Station, a unique housing neighborhoods, and is committed to combining commercial development overlooks the business park providing condo-sized detached homes with efficient smarter spaces. space with living space in an environmentally responsible and attractive way. As Langford’s website proclaims, “Explore the Possibilities.”
42 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Langford’s Neighbourhoods
The City of Langford’s neighbourhoods are located in everything from a mountain golf resort and spa to a trendy, urban downtown Downtown Nowhere can you see Mayor and council’s vision for Langford more clearly oasis and feature affordable housing to million dollar homes. than along Goldstream Avenue. It epitomizes Langford’s future. Funky, urban, residential developments line the red brick sidewalks, which look more California than Canada. Palm trees wave in the breeze, along with dozens of hanging baskets as an island fountain dances to music in a water show that the Mayor calls, “a family oriented mini Bellagio” referring to the fabulous fountain outside the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas. Coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants Bear Mountain all add to the livability of this fun, walkable, city centre. Bear Mountain may be best known for its golf resort and spa, but it’s also an upscale residential neighbourhood with luxury homes enjoying panoramic The whole of Langford is pedestrian-friendly with wide sidewalks and beautiful views of southern Vancouver Island and golf course vistas. In the heart of Bear boulevards. There are two major shopping malls just minutes away from the Mountain Village, nestled amid mountains and forests, trendy condominiums downtown core and the ubiquitous Langford trolley will take you to either offer the best in resort living with restaurants, bars, coffee shops and boutique shopping mecca, or further afield in minutes - and at no charge. shopping right on hand. Three elementary schools and one middle school are close to the core, and The mountain atmosphere promotes healthy living and an active lifestyle. Belmont Secondary is a short distance to the south. All three lakes are easily Extensive wilderness trails coil around the mountain and this very special accessible from Downtown, and stunning Langford Lake is just at the end of Langford neighbourhood features two golf courses designed by Jack & Steve Goldstream Avenue. Nicklaus, set against some of the best views British Columbia can offer. During the summer months visit Goldstream Farmer’s Market right in the Eagle Ridge Estates sits below Bear Mountain and offers more affordable, large, heart of things, featuring local produce and artisan gifts. Throughout the year contemporary, single-family dwellings. Langford’s commercial hub is just a few festivals, events and parades take place in downtown Langford, making this an minutes away featuring a variety of restaurants, national chains, and boutiques. exciting place to live, work and play.
Chapter Two: A Progressive Community 43 Happy Valley Thetis Heights Happy Valley is both Langford’s agricultural rural heartland, and a burgeoning This residential neighbourhood, in a quiet, forested and hilly area just north residential neighbourhood offering highly attractive, yet affordable, family of Millstream Village, Langford’s newest shopping centre, features spectacular homes. It extends from Glen Lake to the border of Metchosin and is home to views of Langford and offers single-family dwellings and smaller developments the Luxton Pro Rodeo at the Luxton Fairgrounds. The Galloping Goose Trail perfect for family life. winds its way through Happy Valley allowing walkers and cyclists to experience a beautiful section of this 60 kilometre trail. Situated off two main streets, Bellamy Road and Treanor Avenue, Thetis Heights, with Millstream Elementary School at its centre, is one of Langford’s One of the oldest Langford neighbourhoods, Happy Valley has the region’s older neighbourhoods. newest elementary school and also contains many of the city’s heritage assets including the Happy Valley Lavender and Herb Farm.
View from Skirt Mountain Goldstream Village
Crystal View Elementary School Langford Lake
44 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Westhills South Skirt Mountain The Westhills master-planned community development is one of Langford’s South Skirt Mountain will be north Langford’s newest neighbourhood, located most exciting and forward-thinking projects, and one of the city’s most popular close to Millstream Village, north Langford’s commercial hub, and the city’s new neighbourhoods. second highway overpass, Spencer Road Interchange.
Situated along the shoreline of Langford Lake, every residence is being The plan for South Skirt Mountain, is to create a tight-knit, environmentally built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Neighbourhood sound and sustainable community by having pedestrian plazas surrounded by Development (LEED-ND) standards. Westhills offers energy-efficient single- streetside storefronts housed below condominiums. Multi- and single-family family homes, duplexes, condominiums, and several high-rise apartment dwellings will terrace outwards from these plazas in close clusters and foster a buildings using creative, sustainable, geothermal equipment to aid in heating sense of community. Garry oak meadows, Arbutus copses, and evergreens will and cooling residences. create a forested atmosphere for environmentally-curious kids and meditative adults alike. The Westhills village commercial hub is next to the E & N Rail corridor and will feature a train station to accommodate the much anticipated future light rail transit to and from Victoria. Two retail centres will provide amenities, while live- work spaces will house small businesses offering unique goods and services.
Langford Lake
Photo supplied by Westhills Chapter Two: A Progressive Community 45 Mount Finlayson seen from Bear Mountain Village
46 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Bear Mountain Village 47 A Vibrant Business Community
New businesses, or those moving to Langford, can expect a healthy, growing consumer base that utilizes local amenities over those of other south Island municipalities. Langford’s demographics also encourage investment: young professionals and tradespeople and those with already-established careers move to the city to take advantage of affordable new homes and ever- expanding business opportunities.
The median household income in Langford is higher than that of the Capital Region as a whole and, with increasing numbers of younger residents moving to the city, Langford also boasts a much higher labour force participation rate than the rest of the Capital Regional District.
The City of Langford has taken the approach, unique in the Capital Regional District, of actually welcoming large retail and wholesale stores and light industrial enterprises. This in turn has attracted smaller businesses, from locally-owned boutiques to national franchises.
Businesses moving from the rest of the Capital Regional District, along with increasing numbers of new enterprises, have given Langford a solid commercial tax base, which the city uses to fuel its dynamic, innovative policies, such as a streamlined re-zoning process and an Official Community he business environment in Langford has never been more vital or Plan that encourages live-work condominiums. Tdynamic. New businesses are opening and existing businesses are either relocating, or opening new offices, branches, or satellite stores in Langford. With a Mayor and council, and city administration, running the city in a Commercial and industrial units are quickly leased as companies see a city business-like manner there is no better place to set down commercial or planning and managing sustainable growth. industrial roots.
48 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Hi-Tech Langford
Walk into any of the many coffee shops in downtown Langford and you’ll see people working on laptop computers and checking their iPhones and Blackberrys for messages - all courtesy of free WiFi throughout Goldstream Village and in a corridor that stretches the length and breadth of Goldstream Avenue, the heart of Langford.
Because of its proximity to a watershed and a two-degree variance in temperature compared to Victoria, Langford can frequently be hit with snow that doesn’t impact other parts of the region. This underlines the importance of gathering information close to home, especially in terms of planning tasks such as snow removal in the most cost-efficient way, notes Langford Mayor Stew Young. Langford’s solution was to install two weather stations - one on the roof of Langford City Hall and the other at Bear Mountain. These log temperature, rainfall and wind speed, providing valuable data specific to Langford.
Where Langford really leads the country in technology is in its partnership with the Westhills development to install a geo-thermal energy system to supply heating and cooling on a community-wide basis. “This is a great example of Langford angford embraces high-tech solutions, from free WiFi through the and Westhills’ efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and utilize the latest green LGoldstream Avenue corridor and a ground-breaking energy system at technologies. This innovative, cutting-edge system will provide long-term Westhills Green Community and City Centre Park, to weather stations that benefits for our residents and our community, and sets a new standard for track exactly how climate change is affecting the city. other communities to follow,” said Langford Mayor Stew Young.
Chapter Two: A Progressive Community 49 50 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Mill Hill Regional Park 51 ‘‘
We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors,
we borrow it from our children. ‘‘ - Native American Proverb
Chapter Three A Green Community
52 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Mill Hill Regional Park
angford is a green community on a mission; the city’s various In Langford the “greening” of the city is more than just words; from Ldepartments have dozens of green initiatives and continue to add more mega projects, such as partnering with a local developer to provide every year. Langford is a signatory to the B.C. Climate Action Charter and is geothermal energy and heat recovery for a district energy sharing utility, serious about meeting its commitments under the Charter. to releasing 35,000 lady bug beetles into local parks to eradicate aphid populations, this city looks for every opportunity to minimize its impact The city initiated an anti-idling policy in 2007 to reduce greenhouse gas on the environment. emissions, uses well water to irrigate municipal boulevards and dims its streetlights at night reducing light pollution, extending the longevity of the lights and saving up to 25 per cent on hydro bills. Chapter Three: A Green Community 53 Green Action Initiatives
The Big Steps Langford was an early signatory to the B.C. Climate Action Charter, signing in September 26, 2007.
The Langford Trolley – a free shuttle service using two B20 Biodiesel fuelled trolley buses encourages increased ridership on public transit and facilitates reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Fraser Basin Green Fleets (E3) Initiative – Assures greater energy efficiency and emissions reductions in on-road fleets, including, municipal and utility vehicles, police cars and emergency vehicles.
Langford Green Utility – Working on integrating services in partnership with Westhills Green Community to provide geothermal energy and heat recovery for a district energy sharing utility, rainwater recycling for landscaping, and other services.
Langford’s Municipal Park Land Inventory has increased by over 400 per cent. The city requires 10 to 50 per cent park dedications on all development outside the city centre.
Langford’s Award-winning Trail System has resulted in a tenfold increase in its trail inventory since incorporation.
54 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Green Policies and Bylaws Green Action Initiatives Official Community Plan (OCP) – This was developed jointly with the City of Colwood with the objective of creating an integrated and sustainable future for both communities. It contains tools to guide decision-making and dialogue about sustainable choices and directions that address climate change. Langford’s OCP won the 2008 Leadership and Innovation Award from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.
The city is developing a Green Transportation Plan to reinforce the sustainability vision of the OCP. The plan will achieve greater connectivity and coordination of the green transportation network, both locally and regionally.
Bicycle Network – Langford has adopted a cycling network strategy that will be incorporated into the Green Transportation Plan currently underway. Langford Trolley ALR Strategy – A comprehensive agricultural strategy has been adopted. Langford collects fees on development to put towards the purchase of land designated within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). The city intends to encourage farming and further protect viable farmland that it acquires, as called for in the Official Community Plan.
Innovative Storm Water Management – In-ground storm drainage seepage pits are being used to reduce the need for piping to the ocean, and to reduce outlet erosion. StormCeptors and aquifers are used to ensure clean water returns to the subsurface water table from roads and parking lots. A permeable paving strategy is being developed by the city and pilot projects are underway.
Alternative Development Standards – Langford promotes the creation of mixed-use pedestrian-priority road spaces as pilot projects, and varying paving widths of roadways where feasible.
Anti-idling Policy – This was established in 2007 to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the community.
Florence Lake Chapter Three: A Green Community 55 Lakefront Setback Requirements – Zoning bylaw has been changed for In Partnership with Freshwater Fisheries – local residents and the city all lakefront properties to require greater setbacks from buildings to the annually restocks Lake Ida Ann and Langford Lake. lakeshore in order to ensure increased protection of sensitive lake ecosystems. Partnership with Carmanah Technologies – to install 3 solar powered LED pedestrian lights on Hull’s Trail and at Langford Lake Beach as part of a Green Initiatives one-year pilot project. Well Water Usage in Boulevards – Langford installed and operates 2010-11 Plantings – 177 hanging baskets; 200 trees; 100 Palm trees; 500 to three wells to irrigate municipal boulevards and reduce demands on 1000 shrubs; 75 pots; 69,000 flowers annually. regional water sources. Broom Removal – The Langford Parks Department is facilitating Solar-Powered Radio-Controlled Crosswalks – Flashing warning signals resident removal of this prominent regional invasive species. will be installed at crosswalks. Communication is linked by radio, using Pond Program – Installation of bio filters and enzymes at various ponds solar energy. (such as Valley View, Lake Ida Ann). Night Dimming of Streetlights – This reduces night light pollution, Community Tree Planting Program – Happy Valley Elementary reduces mercury consumption (by extending the longevity of lights) and saves School planted 100 trees at Fisher’s Field. up to 25 per cent of hydro.
Parkdale Creek Restoration and the Building of a Community Garden – Smart Car Purchases – for Langford’s Planning Department and Langford Lighthouse Christian Academy, Westhills, Corix and the city worked together Fire Rescue to reduce fuel consumption. on this project funded by the city’s Green City Grant Program.
56 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Conversion of Traffic Signals to LED – All traffic signals within the city Bryn Maur Road Permeable Pavement Pilot Project – The city has have been converted to LED lighting, resulting in considerable energy savings constructed a new permeable brick paving project for the downtown that and an 85 per cent reduction in power usage. provides a European ‘look’ to the pedestrian-friendly street, calms traffic, and provides for up to 100 per cent ground infiltration of storm water. Lady Bird Beetle Release – Release of 35,000 lady bird beetles into 200 trees at City Centre Park and Veteran’s Memorial Park to eradicate aphid Langford Transit Exchange – Partnership with BC Transit to provide a populations from city trees as part of the city’s Integrated Pest regional scale facility (a West Shore Transit Hub) on Station Avenue to Management policies. promote superior transit service and reduced car dependency.
Millstream Creek Fish Ladders – Partnership with CRDs Parks American Bullfrog Eradication Program – Participation in CRD Department, Goldstream Volunteer Salmon Enhancement Association and Water Services Expert Working Group to discuss the ongoing control of Department of Fisheries and Oceans to create and rehabilitate fish habitat in American Bullfrogs within the region, and continued work with the CRD an urban setting (over $100,000 contributed to date). Water Services on bullfrog control within Langford.
Transit Priority Service – Retrofits at Intersections - Langford is Staff Alternative Transportation Program – the city has initiated this installing GPS at five locations so BC Transit buses have priority on express program which provides a financial incentive (one dollar a day) when an routes, thereby reducing pollution and quickly moving transit users to their alternative form of transportation is used by an employee to get to work. This final destinations. will reduce the city’s need to acquire land and construct additional parking stalls in the future. Rain Garden Pilot Project – The city has constructed its first rain garden at the newly renovated trolley station to reduce storm-water runoff in an ecologically-sustainable way.
Chapter Three: A Green Community 57 A Green Pedestrian Highway to the Future
hat’s so exciting, and special, about Langford? It’s always moving trails will be paved providing a safe and convenient ‘highway’ for cyclists and Wforward in a constant state of progressive change. In the last twenty pedestrians, encouraging them to get out of their cars and enjoy an alternative, years it has shed many skins, each time revealing an ever more beautiful part of healthy and pleasant way of getting around town. As Mayor Young said, “It’s a master plan to turn it into a city for the future. great for people and it’s great for the environment.”
Criticized a decade ago for inviting big box stores to open, and encouraging There will be five major spurs consisting of a mix of separated and on-street the mega Bear Mountain development into the community, the doubters have bike lanes; existing bike lanes and trails will be utilized and upgraded. These been proved wrong. Monies generated from these forward-thinking economic new, larger bike lanes will feature enhanced separation from the roadway and development strategies have made a slew of highly innovative projects a will be coloured green with markings to identify approaching intersections. possibility, even as other towns cut back in the face of tough times. The clean The Green Pedestrian Highway project has already seen a shared pathway up began with redbrick paved sidewalks, fancy lamp standards, flowers and installed from Bear Mountain Parkway to Ashley Trail. Next, the community trees - a lot of them. Then came residential development in the downtown core will see coloured lanes and improved signage in high traffic areas. In addition, and throughout the community. The Langford trolley made its appearance and bike detection signals triggered by video or inductive detection will be installed Goldstream Avenue became a vibrant, funky place to be seen, with coffee shops, at all traffic signals in Langford. Upgrades to the Galloping Goose Trail from boutique stores and more recently palm trees and a traffic island fountain Sooke Road to Happy Valley Road and WestShore Town Centre are next on that dances to music all day and transforms to a magical light show when the the agenda, with multi-use lanes linking the Westhills development with City sun goes down. Community events became commonplace and attended by Centre Park. thousands. Recreational facilities burgeoned at City Centre Park and attracted a wide range of sports teams. The variety and pace of these community Always looking to the future, Langford is working with the CRD, bordering enhancements have made Langford a national discussion focal point. municipalities and numerous other agencies to design and construct a rail trail along the E & N Railway. This would link Langford’s downtown core with Now, residents have a green initiative of award-winning scope, one that cities Colwood, View Royal and beyond, providing people in other municipalities around the world will be looking to emulate - a Green Pedestrian Highway. with a safer, more direct commuter route to Langford and downtown Victoria. Over the next few years Langford plans to develop an interconnected highway of continuous cycling and pedestrian paths that will connect Langford’s The Green Pedestrian Highway is just the latest example of what can be downtown core and surrounding neighbourhoods. Several kilometres of local achieved when innovation and ambition meet a never-say-no attitude.
58 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Chapter Three: A Green Community 59 60 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle A Blooming City
ictoria is home to the internationally renowned Butchart Gardens, but Langford has participated in the Communities in Bloom initiative since Vrecently visitors to the region are making their way out to the West Shore 2003, and in 2004 won the provincial award for a community its size. The to tour Langford’s blooming city. Every year the city places almost 70,000 plants following two years saw the city awarded four out of five blooms in the national along medians, in hundreds of hanging baskets, and in decorative tubs along competition. Not content with being second best, Langford got perfect scores redbrick sidewalks. Drive, or walk around Langford’s streets and the scent of in 2007 and 2008. These five-out-of-five-bloom scores in consecutive years flowers permeates the air, and a cornucopia of colours dazzles the eye. resulted in the city being awarded the Communities in Bloom National Sustainable Development Award. In addition to truckloads of flowers, just last year the city planted more than 200 trees and almost a thousand shrubs; this is in addition to similar numbers Innovation and creativity are at the heart of everything that blooms in for the past several years. Drive along Veterans’ Memorial Parkway in spring Langford, so who knows what botanical wonders will follow Langford’s iconic and the ribbon of pink blossoms seems to go on forever. Downtown, along palm trees? Goldstream Avenue, the Parks Department has planted a hundred palm trees, bringing a southern west coast atmosphere to the urban street scene.
Chapter Three: A Green Community 61 Goldstream Avenue 62 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle 63 Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, ‘‘
a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest
compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of
‘‘which have the potential to turn a life around.
Leo F. Buscaglia
Chapter Four A Caring Community
64 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle ayor Stew Young and council have built such a strong relationship with residents raised $150,000 to build a new earthquake-proof orphanage for Mthe business community over the years that it always seems ready to dig children in Port au Prince, Haiti. Langford Fire Rescue created Canadians deeper into its pockets to help the community at large, specific organizations, Sending Afghanistan Firefighting Equipment (CAN S.A.F.E.) in partnership or those less fortunate in far-flung places. with Brotherhood of The Badge International, to bring training and donated equipment to the firefighters of Afghanistan. The local developer’s association, and other businesses, have made possible the construction of everything from new fire halls to football stadiums, and food Whether it’s a local initiative, or one 10,000 kilometres away, Langford leads bank vans to boardwalks. from the front. Its citizens work together to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for themselves, while at the same time helping those less fortunate in Overseas, the community’s firefighters, councilors, business owners and disaster and war stricken countries around the world.
Chapter Four: A Caring Community 65 66 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Reaching Out to Create Brighter Futures
angford is a community with heart. Mayor, council and staff at City Hall “Our project, Langford’s community project, the Children of Haiti Project, Lare taking a leadership role in responding to worthwhile causes, both will provide the vulnerable, precious and extraordinary children of the locally and abroad. It’s a community effort; businesses and merchants donate orphanage with a home that will nurture and care for them as we would want goods and money and many also display donation boxes that members of our own children to be cared for,” said Langford Mayor Stew Young. “I would the community are more than happy to fill. Others give to outreach projects like to think that this project will serve as an example for other communities, by supporting fundraising events, or via the city’s website. Langford doesn’t individuals and even the youngest of students, that when we set our hearts simply talk about reaching out, it actually makes a difference in the lives of and minds to it, we can and will make a significant difference in the lives of people at home and in other regions of the world - wherever the need is great. others, some 3,500 miles away. Caring for Children in Haiti After the devastating earthquake that struck the country of Haiti in January 2010, many people were moved by the shocking photographs and media coverage of the destruction. The decision to do something began to take shape when Langford sent an assessment team to Haiti in March. The team visited the rubble of the orphanage with RCMP Corporal Christine Briand, who was deployed in Haiti on a United Nations peacekeeping assignment.
Compelled to respond to the team’s report, the City of Langford in collaboration with its Fire Department, set about helping the Sisters of the Baby Jesus of Prague Orphanage in Port au Prince, Haiti rebuild their destroyed orphanage. With Mayor and council’s support, and the generosity of the community’s residents and businesses, work is underway to provide the orphaned children with a safe haven, a chapel to practice their faith, and a classroom to learn both academic and life skills. The community has already reached its goal of donating $150,000 toward completion of the project. Chapter Four: A Caring Community 67 “As each brick is laid, this city and this community are creating far more than just buildings. They are creating futures for children who would otherwise have none.” Mayor Young’s words capture the spirit of a community and demonstrate what can be done, when people care. Assisting Firefighters in Afghanistan Canadians Sending Afghanistan Firefighting Equipment (CAN S.A.F.E.) is a Langford Fire Rescue initiative, in partnership with Brotherhood of The Badge International, to bring training and donated equipment to the firefighters of Afghanistan. First established as a humanitarian coalition between Rotary Clubs, Canadian Forces, the City of Langford, and Langford Fire Rescue in the wake of the invasion of Afghanistan, CAN S.A.F.E. sought to donate fire rescue gear from across Canada to ill-equipped firefighters in that war-torn country.
In 2004, a contingent from Langford accompanied CAN S.A.F.E.’s first shipment of equipment to Afghanistan to assess the local firefighters’ plight in Kabul. What they discovered was unthinkable. In a city of millions, only four or five fire halls existed, and these had very little equipment, or personal gear and protection for the firefighters who worked there. Firefighters were seen going into fires in nothing more than the shirts on their backs and the pants they wore every day. Since 2004, the city, through Langford Fire Rescue, has partnered with a similar non-profit organization out of Fresno, California to continue the cultural exchange and donation of equipment between North American firefighters and their Middle Eastern counterparts.
In the summer of 2010, CAN S.A.F.E. was instrumental in bringing two Afghan doctors to the south Island and Vancouver, to tour Canadian medical facilities. The doctors’ main undertaking was to raise awareness of the
68 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle dilapidated state of their hospital and acquire better equipment to save those in the war-ravaged Kandahar district.
This is another initiative that was started, and is being sustained, by a community of people who care about more than just what’s going on in their own lives. When people are willing to take a hard look at what they have, in comparison to what many don’t have, hearts are engaged. An acknowledgement of social responsibility, coupled with a desire to make a difference, is what motivates Langford council and residents to keep on giving.
The leadership the city has provided, inspires and engenders support, and the community in Langford has supported projects like this one because they believe they can make a difference. The people of Afghanistan would agree that they have indeed made a difference. Making a Difference In addition to these two major initiatives, the city has responded to needs across the continent. Teams were sent to assist in the aftermath of 9/11 in New York, as well as recently to help flood victims in Mississippi. Locally, Langford Fire Rescue, raises funds for Muscular Dystrophy Canada through an annual Boot Drive. Langford has also provided support to initiatives like Cops for Cancer, and the Motorcycle Ride for Dad in support of prostate cancer research.
Chapter Four: A Caring Community 69 SportAssist
ports generate a sense of community, and strong communities start with The SportAssist Program’s mission is to eliminate the financial barriers that Sstrong kids. The City of Langford is committed to bringing children and keep children from participating in sports. One in three Canadian families families together in sport, tightening family bonds and creating a stronger sense cannot afford to enroll their children in organized sports and recreation. of community. But enrolling in sport’s programs is expensive, and not everyone The Langford SportAssist Program is a community-based sport funding is in a position to give their children those opportunities. program that provides funding for children aged 6-16, residing in Langford to participate, in a sport of their choice. When City Centre Park operator Gerry St. Cyr approached Langford Mayor Young about helping kids whose families can’t afford the cost of playing In addition to promoting physical activity, kids who participate in sports learn organized sports, Young made a $3,000 donation at his annual Mayor’s Charity the value of teamwork, self discipline, leadership, dedication, self-confidence Golf Tournament in July of 2009. Young and St. Cyr recognized the many and the importance of achieving goals. Children who develop these skills are benefits of having kids play sports, and discussed ways to take the concept of more likely to stay out of trouble and excel later in life. supporting families in need to the next level. This was the beginning of the SportAssist program that now helps Langford’s financially challenged children SportAssist is helping more kids get involved in sports, and that’s a win-win to live a healthy lifestyle. situation for both the kids and the community.
70 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament
magine a beautiful summer afternoon in June. The sun is shining and a warm Ibreeze off the ocean ruffles your hair as you take in the gorgeous view of the Olympic Mountains. Eighteen holes lie ahead of you. A crisp, clean blank slate awaits an opportunity to play better than ever before and earn bragging rights with your friends. You are surrounded by laughter, as people from all walks of life gather at this world-class golf course to participate in an event that has drawn the community together. Moms and dads, business owners, city councillors, friends, neighbors and strangers come together to do something special. A host of dedicated volunteers have been working hard to ensure every detail is taken care of, and that the day runs smoothly. At the end of the tournament, many local organizations will benefit from their efforts.
For 15 years, Langford Mayor Stew Young, has invited folks to attend an annual golf tournament. His original vision was to show appreciation to the businesses, The mayor is committed to seeing that every penny raised is used in the best developers and individuals who supported his community, and to generate possible way to make a difference in the community. The tournament has money to financially assist the groups and organizations who make a positive become a symbol of caring as each year sponsors, volunteers, participants difference in Langford. Over the years, this vision has more than been realized, and donors look beyond their own doors and seek to make a difference in and to date this event has raised almost $400,000 in support of Langford the lives of others. organizations and charities. And what a fun and fabulous way to raise money! Here are just a few of the organizations who have benefited from the The Mayor’s Golf Tournament is one of the most popular community events funds brought in through this annual event... in Langford. And who wouldn’t want to participate? The golf is exceptional - whether you’re a seasoned player or just having fun, there’s something for The local Prince Edward Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, everyone. While participants are there to play golf, the focus is a coming Belmont High School Athletics Program, The West Shore RCMP together, to give back to the community where the golfers live, work and play. Auxiliary, Langford Volunteer Fire Department, School Crossing Guards, SportAssist, Junior Achievement, and Goldstream Food Bank.
Chapter Four: A Caring Community 71 It was a tribute to the City of Langford that‘‘ the
business and development community were so
eager to participate in this book.
‘‘ - Michael Wicks (Publisher)
Photo supplied by - Turner Lane Development Corporation
Part Two Community Champions
City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle 72 Photo supplied by West Shore Developers Association This book would not have been possible without the support of community champions. The City of Langford is blessed with an abundance of corporate support, especially from those companies who have helped make this book possible, and whose profiles we are pleased to feature in this section.
Part Two: Community Champions 73 West Shore Developers Association Working together for today’s community and tomorrow’s neighbourhoods
he West Shore Developers Association (WSDA) is a group of land developers, residents of Langford, to create new retail and commercial premises, and to Tconsulting engineers, builders and contractors who focus their business in support a solid base of well-paying jobs for local construction workers. the WestShore. The organization was formed in 2005 with the goal of creating a united group of companies involved in the land development industry in the Development provides all of these benefits to our community, and the WSDA has WestShore that would promote responsible development while providing a forum a vested interest in ensuring that it is sensitive to the future neighbourhoods of for development related issues in the WestShore. Langford. To this end, in cooperation with the City of Langford, the WSDA works tirelessly on various committees on topics such as Affordable Housing, Development With the City of Langford’s annual growth rate projected at five percent or Standards, Development Affordability, Economic Development and more. higher for the foreseeable future, community and neighbourhood development is paramount to the continued healthy growth of Langford. Development of WSDA members are active in the community and can be counted on for helping the WestShore is needed to provide homes for existing and future families and out individually, or collectively, and for contributing financially to fund causes 74 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle such as the annual Christmas lights display, the Langford Trolley service, a new the community, be it behind the bench at the hockey rink, coaching soccer, giving delivery van for the Goldstream Food Bank Society, the Belmont High School awards and bursaries to local students or volunteering to support local not-for- bursary for graduating students entering the construction trades, and the profit organizations, projects and events. rebuilding of the Orphanage of the Infant Jesus of Prague after the earthquake ravaged Port au Prince, Haiti. The WSDA works closely with the Chamber of Commerce, municipal staff and local politicians to ensure that all development proposals put forward balance the In addition to their community and charitable works, WSDA members also goals of the City of Langford’s Official Community Plan with local environmental contribute to our neighbourhoods by providing various amenities in conjunction issues and existing neighbourhood concerns. with their development projects. For some projects, there may be large portions of Members of the WSDA meet regularly to discuss current events in the local the site dedicated for parkland or open space, or they may construct a park or playing development business; changes in codes and regulations, and their impact on field. In other projects, environmental improvements such as creek enhancements projects; and noteworthy projects currently under development. and restoration may be contributed. Other provisions include creating affordable housing for long-time Langford residents who meet certain criteria, building Much of the increasingly healthy, economically vibrant, growing community that new roads or services for both existing and new residents, and improving storm we all love as Langford has come about as a result of the members of the WSDA drainage infrastructure to lessen the impact of seasonal flood events. and their active role in the community.
Many WSDA members live and work in the WestShore and are proud to volunteer For more information and our full member directory, please visit our website at and support all manner of activities. Members can be seen taking an active role in www.westshoredevelopers.ca Part Two: Community Champions 75 The Market on Millstream
Healthy Foods for a Healthy Lifestyle
hen asked what focus their profile should have, Darryl Hein, co- Christine and Darryl Hein, in partnership with her father, Ernie Skinner Wfounder of the Market on Millstream, didn’t hesitate. “We want to talk (founder of The Market on Yates), branched out to open and operate The about our commitment to this community,” Hein said, “We love doing business Market on Millstream in 2006. The store was recently named 2009 Canadian in Langford, and we love giving back to the community we live and work in.” Independent Grocer of the Year in the medium surface category by the And give back, they do. Located in the WestShore’s Millstream Village, the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, an award they are immensely Market on Millstream epitomizes the caring community in Langford. proud of. Designed with complete attention to the smallest details, like extra- wide aisles and a café area with flat screen TVs, they went the extra mile to Locally owned, The Market has roots in the Greater Victoria community. Over make their customers’ shopping experience enjoyable. the years, the community has supported them in their dreams and they’re happy to be able to pay it forward. They strive to give back by helping make In keeping with their mission - healthy foods for a healthy lifestyle - the Market the community a great place to live and work, and lend a hand to many worthy has one of the largest gluten-free and organic selections on the Island. The on- causes through various types of donations. site bakery is already famous and their deli is so delicious, staff love to eat there. They carry the freshest produce, meat and grocery items, so customers can find In fact, Hein says they have almost daily requests for help from local charities, wonderful, healthy foods for their healthy lifestyles. sports teams, community event planners, and larger organizations. “Because of their size, some of the larger grocers have to work from a corporate level when The Market on Millstream is a pleasure to shop in, and a favourite of considering who they help.” says Hein. “We’re in a position to help at the store many WestShore residents, but it’s the heart behind the grocery store that level, on the spot, when we’re asked. And we love to do it.” makes it really special.
76 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle In the first 6 months of 2011, the Market on Millstream provided support in a number of ways to the following organizations:
Ruth King Elementary School • Sierra Club BC • 3rd Arbutus Scout Group • B.C. School of Art Therapy • Patrol Unit of Miriam Temple • Victoria’s Got Talent • Victoria Grizzlies • Royal Roads University • Colwood Pentecostal Church • St. Joseph Elementary School • Bridal Fair • Rotary Club of Victoria • V-E Military Reenactors Association • Belmont Secondary School • Welcome Wagon • Rebels Football • Colwood Rotary • Happy Valley Elementary School • Crystal View Elementary School • Kidneys on the Move • Highland Pacific Golf • Mother May Productions • George Jay School • Millstream Elementary School • St. Andrew’s High School • Discovery School • Metchosin Preschool • Back to Back • Wishart Elementary School • Victoria Hospice • Victoria Grizzlies • Pussy Willow Preschool • Ride to Conquer Cancer • Victoria Stingers Hockey Club • Pacific Christian School • Sangster Elementary School • Langford McDonalds • Alexander Mackie Retirement Community • Lakewood Elementary School • David Cameron School • Goldstream Chums • Stinking Fish Studio Tour • World Vision 30 Hour Famine • Yes BC Youth • Colwood Elementary School • Westshore Whalers Lacrosse • 2136 Canadian Scottish Regiment • Intact Insurance • Sooke Preschool • Luxton Fair • CFB Esquimalt • Job’s Daughters • BCAA • Island Swimming • Citation Village • MS Warrior Dragon Boat Team • Belmont Park Reunion
Part Two: Community Champions 77 Westhills
A Master-Planned Community Like No Other
magine living in a completely sustainable, master-planned community, Iin a home built to a higher standard than you ever dreamed you could afford. Your home, constructed to BuiltGreen™ Gold standards and with one of the highest EnerGuide ratings in the province, has its heating, cooling and domestic hot water provided by a Community Energy System, (a geo-exchange system which results in less energy consumption than traditional methods). The idyllic lakeside setting is just one kilometre from the downtown core of the most forward-thinking and fastest growing municipality in British Columbia. Picture an amazingly progressive community built for people first and cars second, a place to live, work and play, with hundreds of acres of regional parks on its doorstep and bordered by two stunning lakes.
If you’re shaking your head in disbelief, you haven’t visited Westhills in Langford, British Columbia. The people at Westhills are creating a unique, large scale, sustainable, master-planned community that is both socially and environmentally responsible.
When looking to buy a home it’s all about location and quality versus price. We want something stylish and well-built, but affordable, and we want to be close to schools, shopping, and recreation centres, while still being close to the countryside. In short, we want it all, but in the end we usually have to compromise.
Until Westhills that is, with its vision of 517 acres of rolling sloped lands with knolls and rocky outcroppings, eventually housing thousands of residential 78 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Westhills
homes, many with amazing views. A European style town centre with retail, shape daily. Whether you are looking to downsize, move into a rancher, buy live/work homes, recreational opportunities, restaurants, coffee shops and a your first home or invest in a property that provides you with a legal mortgage lakeside neighbourhood pub will be within walking distance of all Westhills helper, Westhills offers strong opportunities. residents. It’s here that Westhills light rail station will be located, overlooking the lake, and ready to take advantage of a revitalized rail link between the The commitment to community at Westhills starts with caring customer service, WestShore and downtown Victoria. from the moment you turn up at the sales centre to see what all the fuss is about. In fact, from that first moment you are welcomed into the community and when Most importantly, it’s all built to a human scale influenced by Traditional you decide to purchase a home, the Westhills team is there to support you every Neighbourhood Design (TND) principles. Forty percent of the land step of the way. Over forty percent of all sales to date have been by referral. And is designated as parkland and green space and multiple residential so the community builds - one person, one couple, and one family at a time. neighbourhoods are linked by pathways to each other, the town centre and to the hundreds of acres of parkland surrounding this unique community. There’s a buzz about Westhills. It’s seen as blazing a trail toward what all new residential developments should look like - environmentally friendly, energy Westhills is in the early stages of its multiyear build out and already hundreds of efficient, technologically advanced, built with people in mind as a community families have made Westhills their home. With a wide range of floor plans that from the ground up. Built from the heart by caring people. For more accommodate many family structures, the community of Westhills is taking information see WesthillsBC.com. Find Westhills, find home. Part Two: Community Champions 79 Rugby Canada
ugby Canada has traditionally based its fall and winter playing operations Rin the mild west coast environment that Victoria offers. In recent years that relationship with the west coast has formalized and the rugby department for Rugby Canada has based its staff, coaches and many of their players in the west on a more full time and permanent basis.
There have been many milestones for the sport - with historic wins over top sides around the world. At the second Rugby World Cup in 1991 - a rough and ready group of Canadians stunned the rugby world advancing to the quarter- Canada’s 2011 National Senior Women’s 7s Team celebrates their second Championship final round of the tournament. In doing so - Canada took on the vaunted All Final Win of the season at the Hong Kong 7s Blacks of New Zealand - pushing them to the limit before falling 29-13. That performance was the foundation for the next decade of rugby in Canada.
1993 saw a raw, but talented Canadian side stun the rugby world once more - beating Wales in Cardiff on a rainy night - Canadian icon and Victoria native Gareth Rees slotting a conversion on full time for a 26 - 24 win following a last second Al Charron try.
Following the 1995 World Cup in South Africa, the International Rugby Board approved a plan to take the game from that of amateur status to become fully professional. Countries such as England, Australia and New Zealand quickly developed into vibrant leagues, but Canada maintained its status as an amateur nation – relying on the domestic club system to provide its players.
Meanwhile on a parallel track, the sport of sevens began to gain popularity with the Canadian team wowing international crowds in Hong Kong with Canada’s 2011 National Senior Men’s 7s Team celebrate their 2nd consecutive Bowl huge performances in the late 1980’s through to the mid-1990’s. A developing Championship at the venerable Hong Kong 7s 80 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Canada’s 2009 National Senior Men’s 15s Team singing the Canadian anthem in front of a packed UBC Thunderbird Stadium.
International Rugby Board series set Canada on another significant Then the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence (PISE) began providing full time competition structure - with talented players circling the globe playing the training facilities for the Canadian fifteens and sevens teams in 2008. abbreviated version of the game. The move to Langford and its state of the art facilities is a huge step forward During all these years Victoria continued to be the key assembly point for in the development of the men’s and women’s team programs. With the national team tours - while the majority of athletes played in what is now the announcement of rugby beginning its inclusion in the 2016 Olympic Games Canadian Direct Insurance Premier League. and Canada’s goal to be a top rugby nation in the World, centralized training, international level all weather training fields and a broadcast ready stadium are In the late 1990’s and into the new millennium more and more resources were just some of the exciting features that will make Rugby Canada proud to call based in Victoria, with the Pacific Sport Centre creating a centre of excellence Langford – “The Home of Rugby in Canada.” to help develop young rugby players. They played on a team called the Pacific Pride – and played in the Premier League – with many of those players going Rugby Canada - www.rugbycanada.ca on to play for Canada. Part Two: Community Champions 81 Johns, Southward, Glazier, Walton & Margetts
e’ve all heard the jokes and jibes about lawyers, but the truth with divorce and custody issues. We also try to ease the difficult times by Wremains that we’re here to help our clients. We assist in happy taking preventative measures such as drafting partnership and shareholder times, such as buying your first home, adopting a child or incorporating agreements, co-habitation and co-ownership agreements, leases and a new business. We provide guidance during difficult times, such as contracts of purchase and sale. Our mandate is to serve our clients, and administering estates, negotiating settlements on injury claims and dealing with offices in the Westshore, Victoria and Duncan, we add the element of 82 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle accessibility and convenience, so we can serve our clients where they live and work.
Johns, Southward, Glazier, Walton & Margetts (“JSG” for short) has been in business since January 1984, when we opened our doors with six lawyers in Victoria. Sixteen years later, in 2000, we opened an office in Duncan and eight years after that we opened our West Shore office, located in Langford. Among the three offices, the firm has a total of 17 lawyers and 23 staff. For over 25 years, JSG has been providing a full spectrum of legal services to individuals, families and businesses.
We are committed to the communities where our offices are located and most of our lawyers and staff live in the communities where they work. In fact, lawyers and staff living in the respective areas where our offices are now located drove the expansion of JSG into these communities. Our commitment to the communities where we work and live is further defined by our participation in supporting local sports groups, schools, seniors’ centres and other community serving agencies; also members of our firm sit on various volunteer boards.
Our aim is to establish long-term relationships with our clients and grow and learn along with them to better serve their changing needs. As a full service law firm, we are equipped to assist with virtually every issue that might arise. We emphasize support and cooperation among our own lawyers and staff for added client benefit. From real estate transactions to ICBC injury claims, from wills, estate planning and administration to sports law advice, we want to help you through the good times, the bad times and the planning in between.
If you would like to learn more about the JSG firm, or any of our lawyers, we welcome you to visit our website at www.jsg.bc.ca.
Part Two: Community Champions 83 Langford Lanes
ictoria has a long history with bowling - we have Vthe highest number of league bowlers per capita! When the last of Victoria’s bowling alleys was torn down a few years ago, it left a huge void for both league and pleasure bowlers. Bowling is a fun, family-friendly activity that no city should be without. For this reason, we are pleased to announce that tenpin bowling is making a comeback in the West Shore with the opening
84 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle of Langford Lanes. As part of City Centre Park - we are an easy 20 minute drive a video arcade, lounge and banquet amenities, this facility is sure to become from everywhere in the Capital Regional District. a community favourite for parties and special events. Special equipment, such as lightweight balls, bumpers and ball ramps to assist the young, novice, Forget about everything you know and remember about the typical bowling wheelchair and senior bowlers, will ensure that the entire family can join in centre. Dim lighting, uncomfortable vinyl chairs, pen and pencil scoring. the fun. And for those wanting to bowl in a more organized way, leagues will Langford Lanes offers 14 lanes with state-of-the-art scoring equipment, high include competitive and recreational levels for youth, adults, and seniors. definition LCD screens, the latest in sound, glow-in-the dark bowling and light shows. Instead of vinyl chairs, you’ll find comfy couches, modern décor, Langford Lanes will be hosting initiatives such as fundraisers, corporate bright contemporary lighting, and a six-lane private VIP room. team-builders, and charity events to bring the community together. With the new and improved experience at Langford Lanes, bowling will be making a Langford Lanes will offer more than just bowling - it will offer a unique huge comeback in Victoria. We anticipate seeing smiles and good times as experience. With a diverse range of services including a fully licensed we look forward to advancing the sport of tenpin bowling in the region and establishment with 20 bowling lanes, a full service restaurant, an outdoor patio, building a community based on fun, fitness, and spirit.
Part Two: Community Champions 85 The Alpine Group
he Alpine Group is a Langford owned and operated business. Established Tin 1984, it has grown from a one-man enterprise to include operations in Victoria and the WestShore, Duncan, Nanaimo, Kelowna, Trail, Castlegar, Creston, and Grand Forks. Alpine is a leading provider of waste solutions, recycling, construction equipment rental, landscaping materials, automotive and marine retail and repair for residential, government, commercial and industrial markets.
From local garbage pickup and recycling, to topsoil delivery for residents’ gardens, or commercial services to businesses, Alpine’s goal is to empower its customers - residential and commercial - to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively. Its commitment to quality and customer service has paved the way for its incredible growth into the successful enterprise it is today. Alpine‘s loyal customer base and quality employees have been the cornerstone of its success. Leader in Green Solutions For 25 years, Alpine has been a top local choice for refuse and recycling pickup in the Greater Victoria area and now leads the way in “Green Solutions.”
At Alpine’s sorting plant, waste wood is transformed into renewable energy and at its finger jointer plant, wood scraps are milled into dimensional lumber. Alpine is the only recycling company in Canada exploring this technology, saving over 30,000 tonnes a year from going to our landfills.
Alpine’s “topsoil” is made from kitchen scraps collected curb side and turned into a “super Soil”.
When you purchase Alpine’s topsoil and compost, you’re also doing your part for the environment by buying green. 86 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle Vehicle Sales and Service sports teams, people enjoying community or cultural events, or business Alpine Truck and Equipment Repair specializes in full fleet maintenance owners meeting to network or do business, you’re likely to see the Alpine logo and repairs to all makes and models of trucks and equipment, including auto as a local sponsor or participant. The backbone of the company is Alpine’s loyal and marine vehicles. From commercial to family vehicles, Alpine Auto, Boat employees who always deliver the highest levels of customer service. and RV scours the market for the best deals on the cleanest vehicles on the Customer-focused and community minded - and after 30 years still market. Full service Auto, RV and Marine craft detailing is also one of Alpine’s headquartered in Langford -Alpine faithfully represents the spirit of Langford. services, as well they have Mercury certified marine motor specialists with over 100 years of combined experience. Alpine Radiator Shop repairs, rebuilds or replaces all makes and models of cars, truck or motorcycles.
Industrial Services Alpine’s Soil Mart products are a great choice for landscaping or construction projects. Bark mulch, gravel, crushed rock, sand and topsoil, are all available for delivery or pickup. Slinger and Grinder Services are available to place materials cost effectively and dispose of wood waste or construction debris. Also serving the construction industry, Alpine provides temporary fence panels and portable toilets for special events, construction sites, and other customers. To complete its industrial service offerings, Alpine specializes in all aspects of steel and aluminum welding and fabrication in its modern, well-equipped facility.
Tourism and Attractions Alpine also has a presence in the tourism industry through its ferry services to Sidney Spit, the Pier Bistro Restaurant at the end of the pier on Beacon Avenue in Sidney, and the Fountain Diner in Langford, which offers casual dining to residents and visitors to Goldstream Village. In addition, Alpine Limousine Service has proudly served the Greater Victoria area since 2000. From the executive on the run to the young couple getting married, courteous, experienced, trained professionals and a fleet of luxury vehicles provide the ultimate in value and first class comfort to Alpine passengers.
A Community-Oriented Company Alpine is firmly anchored in its community, and believes strongly in supporting worthwhile organizations. Wherever you see kids gathered to play on local Part Two: Community Champions 87 City Centre Park
ity Centre Park, located on Langford Parkway, is a gem in Langford’s enthusiasts will thrill to the high-level action taking place at Bear Mountain Clong list of amenities. From January through December, it offers Stadium with the arrival of Rugby Canada this year. Langford families an opportunity to enjoy year-round fun. In the Summer ... a bright and spacious Splash Park is one of the biggest In the Spring ... When spring arrives, families start to come out of their summer draws to the park. Drive by any day in the summer and you’ll hear homes and look for things to do outdoors. This is a great time to enjoy squeals of delight as kids enjoy the rotating sprays of water, while parents the pirate-themed mini-golf course at City Centre Park, where kids (and relax on lounge chairs, perhaps get the benefit of a spray or two, and soak in grown-ups) enjoy visiting the Aztec ruins and searching for buried treasure the sun of a summer’s day. The mini-golf park is open all year around, and is throughout the course. It’s also a great time to get in shape for summer by an extremely popular summer activity. The beautiful pond at the park’s edge is using the walking trails and fitness stations surrounding the park. Rugby a great place to sit and relax with a book, or catch some summer rays.
City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle 88 Kevin Light Photography Photograph By Jeff Morrison In the Fall ... The Westshore Rebels football team plays July through All Year-Round ... Eagle Ridge Centre hosts teams that use the dry floor all year October. Football lovers can get their touchdown fix right here on the Island long - from roller hockey, to rollerball, indoor lacrosse, soccer, baseball, and with this exciting league. In the fall, the trails are nice and dry, and with roller derby. The arena also has drop-in activities, so you can enjoy the fun even slightly cooler weather, there’s no excuse for not getting your exercise! And, if you’re not in a league. PlayZone is the largest, brightest, indoor playground mini-golf is still popular with the more hardy among us, well into the fall. on southern Vancouver Island. Moms and dads relax on comfy leather couches with coffee and a book while the kids rough and tumble, slide and bounce to In the Winter ... what’s more fun than an outdoor skating rink, especially their heart’s content. Free WiFi is available throughout the park, so parents can one with inviting fire pits surrounding the rink where parents and kids work, surf, or play while the kids are having fun. The 20-lane tenpin bowling can have a cup of hot cocoa and get warm? The Splash Park is transformed alley is Greater Victoria’s only tenpin bowling operation, and attracts people into an outdoor rink in the winter with a state-of-the-art cooling system. from all over, and a new indoor ice arena hosts all levels of hockey. This lovely feature, reminiscent of backyard rinks on the prairies, is a huge draw when the weather gets cool. The new ice arena links the indoor and No need to pack a lunch when coming to the Park. The concession serves outdoor rinks through a specially designed ‘skatethrough’, adding a whole delicious hot and cold foods from a wide-ranging menu and is open all year new dimension to everyone’s skating experience. Rugby Canada - the newest long. The bowling alley also has a restaurant, so you can just grab something sports family to be added to City Centre Park’s roster, has a season that runs to fill you up, and keep on playing! from January through May, so rugby fans will brave watching these high- level games during the coolest of Victoria’s seasons, however rumour has it Winter, spring, summer or fall, there’s always something to do at City Centre that rugby fans are as hearty as the players. Park. Come see for yourself. Once you do, you’ll be back, again and again.
Part Two: Community Champions 89 Kettle Creek Station
urner Lane Developments is gradually changing the face of the West Shore folks, and anyone looking to either enter the market or downsize, Kettle Creek Tby creating a unique and comfortable community located at the west end Station offers the perfect solution. of Langford Lake. The concept behind Kettle Creek Station is one of quality, affordable homes. In a market where the median house price is more than a half The community plan includes 300 homes with an additional 200 million dollars, Turner Lane bucks the trend towards ‘bigger-is-better’ thinking condominiums and small scale commercial businesses planned for the future. by introducing affordable housing to the region. “I looked around to see what These homes, some as small as 568 square feet, have been dubbed “condos on other developers weren’t doing,” says Les Bjola, CEO of Turner Lane. “That’s the ground” as they provide home owners the best of all worlds: condo-sized when I saw this niche in the market.” Aimed at young couples, retirees, single living in detached homes at affordable prices, low maintenance yards, along
90 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle with the benefits of the equity in home ownership. Because the properties and restoration of Turner Bog, a bird watcher’s paradise. Amenities close by are “fee simple”, owners do not have to deal with strata councils or additional include elementary, middle and high schools, shopping at Westshore Town monthly fees or special assessments. Each property has parking for two, Centre and downtown Langford, and City Centre Park offering a myriad of comfortable back yards and patio space. Homeowners are encouraged to family-friendly activities a short walk away. There are also plans in the works customize their spaces and choose from a wide range of décor options. for a pedestrian greenway and a community park.
Even though these homes are relatively inexpensive, starting at under $300,000, “Kettle Creek is very popular. Life is getting busier and busier,” says Sheri homeowners will be impressed with the fine finishes. Kitchens have optional Martin, a member of the Kettle Creek sales team. “When people come home granite countertops, rich wood-laminate cabinets and a great appliance from work or work from home, they want their space to be peaceful and serene, package. All Kettle Creek homes meet BuiltGreen™ standards. Kettle Creek has and they want the ability to make it so.” made buying a new home an option for people who are determined to buy only as much house as they can comfortably afford, or who are tired of maintaining Kettle Creek Station embodies an idea whose time has come, and the popularity a home that has become too large for their needs but who aren’t quite ready of these cottage homes is testament to this fact. When you combine innovation, for strata condo living. With so many styles and options to choose from, Kettle quality, attention to detail, a small footprint and affordability, you end up with a Creek can please almost any homebuyer. desirable and unique community, being Kettle Creek Station. Residents are footsteps away from Langford Lake and its trails, the E&N rail trail and City Centre Park. Nearby Goldstream Park and Mt. Wells Park provide Visit the website at www.KettleCreekStation.com or drop by the sales centre on spectacular hiking trails and scenery. With over 40 acres of lakefront park the corner of Kettle Creek Drive and Burlington Crescent for further details or dedicated from this project, Kettle Creek has also facilitated the preservation to arrange for a viewing call 250-391-5880.
Part Two: Community Champions 91 Doing Business in Langford
Community pride and service excellence through innovation, flexibility and teamwork.
City council decided in its earliest days, that Langford would not operate like a typical government body, but rather like a business. Everything it does is based on this philosophy and that’s why Langford is known for its “can-do” attitude when it comes to business.
Council believes economic growth is paramount to community sustainability, and has always welcomed, and worked hand-in-hand with, developers and local businesses to generate and support economic development in the region. It believes in creating an environment where red tape doesn’t hold entrepreneurs back from growth and success.
Just like a business, the city is aware of its own need to have a lean operation. It has kept staffing levels low over the years, and has endeavoured to use the principles of good business to guide its decisions and activities. It has always demonstrated a responsiveness to the business community, and worked with businesses when they faced challenges. To draw business to the region, the City Hall Langford city has implemented many initiatives over the years, which make it desirable for businesses to relocate to the community. For instance, in 2002 council, decided to relocate City Hall to the centre of downtown in order to invigorate ince its incorporation in 1992, the City of Langford has been determined the city’s core and stimulate commercial activity. Sto be a different kind of municipality. When you walk through the City Hall work area, huge signs remind employees of the mission they crafted together more than ten years ago; a mission they embrace and embody every day:
92 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle And, in 2008, when everyone was reeling from the financial crisis, Langford lowered business permit fees and implemented other cost-saving initiatives to encourage developers to keep building. During lean times, the city has worked with businesses to ensure they can remain viable. Langford council knows that business is the heartbeat of a community, and that if business stays healthy, the community will benefit. This is clearly demonstrated by the minimal tax increases Langford residents have faced over the last 18 years; tax increases that have remained below the cost of living while the city continued to provide substantial improvements, and many new amenities, for residents.
Langford has a can-do attitude when it comes to business. Rather than the regulatory-based model used by most municipalities (which says “You can’t do that, it’s against the rules.”), it operates under a solution-based model (which says “How can we make that work?”).
The staff have embraced this philosophy and it has become part of their culture. Some Langford staff have worked for the city for over 18 years and function in this model without even thinking about it. Of course, it helps that Langford is also responsive to the needs of its staff, and routinely recognizes their hard work through creative improvements and staff perks that make them feel valued and respected. The words most often used to describe City Hall staff by residents are friendly and helpful. Their attitude is a reflection of the city’s philosophy not just in word, but also in deed.
As its mission statement says, this is a community with pride and the city most definitely offers service excellence through innovation, flexibility and teamwork. It’s what makes Langford such an attractive option for businesses looking to start up or relocate to the city, and what keeps local business owners keen to be part of Langford’s ongoing success.
Part Two: Community Champions 93 Photo Credits
Blue Beetle Books would like to thank the City of Langford, and the Community Champions featured in this book, for allowing us to use photographs from their libraries.
In particular we would like to thank the following:
Bear Mountain Golf Resort Dean Kalyan - www.deankalyan.com Jeff Morrison - www.sportsphotos.ifp3.com Kevin Light Photography Olympic View Golf Club Rick Stiebel Rob Perry Rugby Canada Turner Lane Development Corporation Westhills West Shore Developers Association
For more information on the City of Langford please visit www.cityoflangford.ca or call: 250.478.7882
94 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle For communities, Landmark books make exciting promotional items that promote Landmark Books offer towns, cities, municipalities, regions, corporations a sense of place and community to those who may be looking to either move, or and other organizations an opportunity to have a full-colour, art-quality, hard cover, invest in their growth. Mayors and councillors can gift the book when travelling on coffee table book at little to no cost. official business or attending conferences, give them to business people considering These professional publications are written, designed, produced and published by Blue relocating or starting a business, and make them available to residents. Beetle Books Inc. For communities they offer a highly effective economic development For corporations, these books offer an opportunity to celebrate a milestone, or stimulus tool. For corporations they provide an opportunity to celebrate an anniversary, record the history of their company, while at the same time acting as a high-profile or simply tell the organization’s story. promotional giveaway to potential customers.
The content of a Landmark book is contained in two sections. The core of the book Not-for-profit organizations have an opportunity to use their Landmark book to provides readers with an entertaining, informative and visually stimulating look at the educate people about the issues they are addressing and promote the work they do, community, company or organization. The second section consists of a number of while at the same time eliciting support from potential donors and sponsors. These double-page spreads (the exact number depends on the size of the book) in the form beautiful books also make wonderful gifts to supporters and volunteers. of paid advertorials that feature organizations or businesses that support, or champion, the subject community or organization. These advertorial features offer a high-end marketing opportunity to local companies and organizations. Partner double-page Blue Beetle Books Inc. spreads are designed by Blue Beetle Books. The Blue Beetle team, in consultation with Blue Beetle Books Inc. is led by publisher Michael Wicks and art director Tom Spetter. the partner organizations, develops the written content and arranges photography Michael’s pedigree includes being a divisional head at Random House Publishing where necessary. Group Ltd. where he was responsible for all specialist publications, including own-brand and sponsored books. He is also an award-winning author. All Landmark Books are well written, professionally designed and feature high quality photography. Production is to art quality standards and books are printed at one of Tom Spetter is an award-winning illustrator who brings the visual ideas to fruition by Canada’s largest printers, Friesens, which has established a strong reputation for printing heading up the production design component of the company. this type of book. In addition to the core team, we use highly talented photographers, writers, editors As a client (a community, corporation or organization) you receive a minimum of 1,000 and proofreaders across the country to ensure every Landmark Book achieves the copies at no charge to distribute and/or sell as you see fit. Partners advance purchase goals and objectives of the communities and organizations we work with. a set quantity of books in return for their double page advertorial, at 40 per cent off - Michael Wicks (Publisher) the retail price of the book, and can order additional copies for promotional use at far deeper discounts.
For more information call 250.704.6686 or email: [email protected] 95 96 City of Langford: Living the Lifestyle
City of Langford Living the Life -
This book brings to life the amazing changes that have transformed Langford into one of the most livable cities in Canada. We’re all extremely proud of the spirit of cooperation and determination that has created a community that offers the best in recreation, shopping and entertainment. On behalf of Langford Council and our residents, I invite you to explore how easy it is for you, your family, or your business to move to Langford and enjoy all the great amenities we offer. Call us at 250-478-7882, or visit our website at www.cityoflangford.ca for more information on our exciting new initiatives.
- Langford Mayor, Stew Young A Landmark Book | $39.95