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Langford Council Takes Concrete Steps To Support Public Safety

Immediate action items approved by Council address property crime, safety in parks and on trails, and homelessness and open drug use.

(Langford, B.C.): At the September 21, 2026, Regular Council Meeting, Langford Council took significant steps to respond to concerns raised by the public by endorsing several recommendations from the Community Safety Working Groups. These recommendations, which will improve community safety for both residents and businesses in Langford and support the West Shore RCMP, provide direction for the allocation of $450,000 already set aside in the City’s budget for community safety.

In early 2026, the City commissioned a community safety survey to better understand residents’ experiences, concerns, and perceptions of safety in Langford. The survey identified the community’s top safety priorities were issues related to property crime, safety in parks and on trails, and the unhoused and open drug use. As a result of these findings, Council directed that three Community Safety Working Groups be created to address the community’s key safety concerns. The Community Safety Working Groups, made up of community organizations, subject matter experts, service providers, and representatives from the West Shore RCMP and the City’s bylaw department, met throughout the summer to review data, identify solutions, and develop recommendations for Council’s consideration.

In addition to the meetings with each of the working groups, City staff met with both West Shore RCMP Superintendent Gillespie and Langford Fire Chief Aubrey to review the recommendations and receive their input. This input was reviewed with the working groups at their September meeting and has been incorporated into the final recommendations. 

“Community safety is one of the most important responsibilities of local government. These recommendations reflect what we heard directly from residents and provide a balanced approach that combines prevention, enforcement, education, and social supports,” said Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson. “Thank you to the community members who contributed their time, expertise, and perspectives to help strengthen public safety in Langford.”

Recommendations endorsed by Council from the Community Safety Working Group include:

• Authorize the hiring of one additional RCMP officer at an annual cost of $225,000.
• Authorize the addition of one full-time equivalent bike patrol officer at an annual cost of $120,000
• Create a $50,000 small business security grant program, to be administered by the West Shore Chamber of Commerce.
• Enter into a service agreement of up to $50,000 with the Salvation Army to provide space where community members can connect with social services and supports.

Council also directed staff to advance several community safety initiatives, including:

• Small business crime prevention visits where the RCMP and Fire Department review the business’s space and make recommendations for crime prevention.
• Working with the RCMP to facilitate coordination meetings of large store Loss Prevention Officers.
• Launching a community campaign with the RCMP encouraging the reengagement of block and neighbourhood watch programs.
• Working with the Building Officials Association and developers to ensure crime prevention measures are included in the design of new housing.
• Working with the construction industry on theft-prevention initiatives.
• Enhancing public education and communication around property crime prevention and safety.
• Placing restrictions on the sale and display of spray paint.
• Creating public safety campaigns focused on parks and trails.
• Undertaking joint patrol and education opportunities with City bylaw officers and CRD Bylaw Services.
• Implementing trauma-informed training for bylaw, fire and police staff.
• Hosting semi-annual working group meetings to continue collaboration and dialogue on these important issues.

Additionally, the recommendations include advocating to senior levels of government for additional investments in policing, mental health and addiction services, social supports, and improvements to regional trail infrastructure.

The recommendations brought forward by the Community Safety Working Groups and endorsed by Council will ultimately form part of a Community Safety Plan, to be brought forward to Council before the end of the year. The City extends its sincere thanks to all working group members whose collaboration helped create recommendations that reflect community priorities and evidence-based approaches to public safety.

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