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CITY OF LANGFORD STATEMENT: PROVINCIAL HOUSING TARGETS ASSESMENT

(Langford, B.C.) – The City of Langford is disappointed by the Province of British Columbia’s decision to include Langford in the Housing Targets Assessment process. This decision fails to recognize the City’s long-standing leadership in housing development and growth management since incorporation and unfairly penalizes a municipality that has consistently exceeded expectations. Langford is one of the fastest-growing communities in British Columbia and Canada and has delivered a disproportionately high share of new housing within the Capital Region. Langford is planning for a population of 100,000 residents, nearly doubling its current population of approximately 58,000. The City’s 20-year housing need is projected at 17,000 new homes, which will accommodate approximately 42,000 new residents. This projection aligns with the expectations outlined in the CRD’s Regional Growth Strategy and the Province’s own housing legislation.

Langford is in the final stages of adopting a new Official Community Plan (OCP) following an 18-month process of rigorous research, expert consultation, and extensive community engagement. This OCP, recently given 1st reading by Council on May 20, is a forward-looking blueprint for the next phase of Langford’s growth that embraces high density development in well-connected urban areas such as the downtown core, surpasses requirements in the Province’s Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing legislation, and addresses household affordability challenges through greater choice of housing options.

The OCP also links transportation and land-use planning to allow residents better access to essential community services and amenities through a variety of modes of transportation. Strategically increasing density in this manner will enable all levels of government, including Langford, the Capital Regional District, and the Province, to prioritize infrastructure investments in the right locations to avoid unnecessary urban sprawl that further stresses limited resources. Such density will require ongoing commitment from the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, as well as BC Transit, for funding and improvements to the transportation network to keep up with the increase in demand from residents.

In a bold move to address housing affordability, in 2022, the City of Langford launched the Langford Attainable Home Ownership Program, the first municipal-led initiative of its kind in Canada. This innovative program enables eligible buyers to purchase below-market condominiums in new developments, with access to a grant covering up to 75% of their down payment. The funding comes entirely from the City’s Affordable Housing Reserve Fund, which is supported by developer contributions required during rezoning. This is not a pilot or a promise, it’s a fully operational program that is already helping Langford residents become homeowners.

While the Province continues to impose housing targets and download more costs to local government such as E-Comm 9-1-1, which increases the burden on tax payers, Langford is delivering real, tangible solutions. The City is not only approving housing at record levels but also directly investing in making life more affordable for residents.
However, while Langford continues to do its part, the Province must continue to do theirs by supporting the services and infrastructure needed for rapid growth. While the City is extremely grateful to the Province for granting $13.36 million for 122 new childcare spaces in Langford, there is more work to be done.

To this end, Langford has requested a $1.7 million grant to fund tenant improvements for a new medical clinic with 10 available doctors, in a space that’s ready to go. To date, the City has received no commitment. This is a clearly provincial responsibility, not a municipal one.
Langford’s track record speaks for itself. Langford is the model municipality. The City will continue to lead with innovation and efficiency, but long-term sustainability requires the Province to invest in the infrastructure and services that support sustainable and livable communities.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Donna Petrie
Senior Manager, Communications & Economic Development
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