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CITY OF LANGFORD TAKES BOLD ACTION TO ADDRESS DOCTOR SHORTAGE

(Langford, B.C.) – After over a year of focused efforts, the City of Langford is proud to announce a significant stride forward in addressing the critical shortage of family doctors in the West Shore. At the In-Camera Council meeting held on June 10, 2025, Langford Council unanimously committed to funding the costs of tenant improvements, furniture, fixtures, and medical equipment to establish a new medical clinic in downtown Langford. The clinic will provide space for 10 doctors, attaching approximately 12,500 patients, a major step toward addressing almost half the estimated 27,000 unattached patients in the West Shore region. The clinic is estimated to open in early 2026.

The City, in collaboration with the South Island Primary Care Society and the Freemasons of Langford, have negotiated a long-term partnership for commercial space in the new Westshore Masonic Centre on Bryn Maur Road. In addition to funding up to $1.7 million for tenant improvements, equipment, furniture, and fixtures, the City has offered temporary accommodations for doctors, the consideration of a Permissive Tax Exemption, and marketing assistance for ongoing doctor recruitment.

“Langford has always thrived through establishing strong partnerships and today marks another milestone in that legacy. By providing funding for a new doctors clinic, Council is responding to the urgent healthcare needs of our rapidly growing community,” stated Mayor Scott Goodmanson, City of Langford. “This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the tireless leadership and dedication of the South Island Primary Care Society, and for the partnership with the Freemasons of Langford who will be leasing the space at cost. Together, we’re improving the quality of life for Langford residents.”

“On behalf of our Board, staff, clinicians, and patients, we are sincerely grateful for the ongoing support of the City of Langford, one of our earliest and most committed partners,” said Dr. Spencer Cleave of the South Island Primary Care Society. “With additional contributions from the Westshore Charity Golf Tournament and private donors, this initiative is expected to address approximately 50% of the current family physician shortage in the West Shore. We are especially thankful to the City and the Freemasons of Langford for helping make this important project a reality.” “Our partnership with the City of Langford has been instrumental in improving access to physicians for our growing community,” said Alyssa Andres, Executive Director of the South Island Primary Care Society. “This achievement reflects the outstanding leadership and commitment of the doctors and administrative teams at our other clinics, whose support has enabled us to deliver exceptional care and sustain our rapid growth.” While the City of Langford recognizes that the delivery of healthcare is a provincial responsibility, it is taking bold and proactive steps to be part of the solution.

In the spirit of partnership and collaboration, Langford has committed immediate funding to move this critical project forward, because residents cannot wait any longer for a doctor. The City appreciates the support from the West Shore Charity Golf Tournament, community members, and local businesses. Their contributions helped the South Island Primary Care Society secure partial funds required for recruiting doctors for the new clinic. Additional fundraising efforts are required. To learn more or donate, click here for more information.

This is a pivotal opportunity to demonstrate shared leadership and a united commitment to addressing the healthcare crisis. While the City recognizes that the Province is taking steps to strengthen community-based primary-care services, the City welcomes and would appreciate the Province’s financial support with this initiative.

Today’s announcement builds on the existing lease the City extended to the Society in 2024 for $1 to immediately accommodate three doctors at 877 Goldstream Avenue. Langford continues to lead by example, not only in recreation and housing development, but also in creating the conditions necessary for a healthy, livable, and sustainable community.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Donna Petrie | Senior Manager, Communications

ABOUT THE SOUTH ISLAND PRIMARY CARE SOCIETY
The South Island Primary Care Society (SIPCS) is a registered charity dedicated to transforming access to primary healthcare across Greater Victoria. Founded in 2020 by a passionate team of frontline healthcare professionals and community leaders, SIPCS emerged in response to the urgent need for trauma-informed, culturally safe, and community-based care in one of Canada’s fastest-growing regions.

With a mission to promote public health and advance education in primary care, SIPCS operates not-for-profit clinics that provide low- or no-cost services to individuals and families. The Society has successfully transitioned programs like perinatal counselling into sustainable, community-focused care models and continues to expand its reach, having recruited over 15 family physicians and a nurse practitioner within its first year of clinic operations.

PROJECT SPONSORS
City of Langford
Freemasons of Langford

SOCIETY SPONSORS
Gold
Stew Young
West Shore Charity Golf Tournament
Maxxam Insurance

Silver
West Shore Developers Association Southpoint
Tri-X
Solo Suites
Max Mortgage
KeyCorp Developments
Seacliff Group
Norm Arden
GFL Environmental

Bronze
Vancouver Island Lodge
Harrison Forbes
Ravi Parmar
RT Prime
Westcom
GHM
Saunders Foundation
Gordon N Gordon