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Read All Latest NewsCity of Langford Honours the Life and Service of Councillor Lillian Szpak
(Langford, B.C.): It is with profound sadness that the City of Langford shares the sudden passing of Councillor Lillian Szpak on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
First elected in 2002, Councillor Szpak dedicated more than two decades to public service, community advocacy, and the thoughtful growth of the city she was proud to call home. A Langford resident since 1993, she brought to Council a deep belief that local government should listen carefully, respect community voices, and make decisions with future generations in mind.
Throughout her time on Council, Councillor Szpak helped shape Langford through a wide range of local and regional leadership roles. She represented Langford on the Capital Regional District Board, the Capital Regional Hospital District Board, the Capital Region Housing Corporation Board, and served two terms as Chair of the Regional Water Supply Commission. She was also appointed to Langford’s Sustainable Development Advisory Committee and served as an alternate representative to the West Shore Parks and Recreation Board.
Her service reflected the breadth of issues that matter to residents: responsible growth, public input, environmental stewardship, housing affordability, community safety, parks, recreation, regional collaboration, and the importance of representation in civic leadership. In her own words during the 2022 election, Councillor Szpak described her priority as bringing the community’s voice to the table, listening deeply, and helping ensure Council Chambers remained a respectful place where residents could be heard.
Before being elected, Councillor Szpak served on the Board of the Westshore Chamber of Commerce, volunteered with community organizations, and served as a citizen volunteer on Langford’s Planning and Zoning Committee. She also held a Master’s in Leadership Studies from Royal Roads University, where her thesis focused on ‘Giving voice to young women at risk.’
“Lillian gave so much of herself to Langford,” said Mayor Scott Goodmanson. “For more than two decades, she showed up for this community with conviction, compassion, and a deep respect for residents. She cared about people being heard, she cared about the future of Langford, and she understood that public service is both a privilege and a responsibility. On behalf of Council and the City of Langford, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Lillian’s family, friends, colleagues, and to everyone in our community who is mourning this loss.”
The City has been in close contact with the family who have shared the following statement: “Lillian loved her family and her community deeply. She lived every day to the fullest, and we will miss her forever. She burned bright till the very end. We love you Lillian.”
Lillian’s legacy will live on throughout Langford; she played a meaningful role in shaping the thriving community we see today. In recognition of Councillor Szpak’s passing, flags across the City have been lowered to half-mast.
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