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The City of Langford is a rapidly growing community, one of Greater Victoria’s Western Shore municipalities, and is bordered by the District of Metchosin, the City of Colwood, the Town of View Royal, the District of Highlands and the Juan de Fuca electoral area. Only recently incorporated (1992) Langford’s history dates back to the mid 1800’s when a farm was established by Captain Edward Langford to supply the Hudson’s Bay Company’s western outposts including Fort Victoria. For decades Langford grew at a slow pace, hampered by poor reputation and inadequate traffic corridors, but no longer. Over the past fifteen to twenty years Langford has undergone an amazing transformation. Local government has concentrated on creating the infrastructure that would support smart growth, most notably vastly improving the roads. As a result, development, both commercial and residential, has mushroomed, and Langford is experiencing one of the fastest rates of growth in the country, charting a population increase of 19.2% from 2001 to 2006 alone. Langford is centrally located among the Western Communities, and is becoming the commercial core of the Western Shore. There is no need to travel to Victoria for shopping, over the last few years several retail centres have sprung up offering a variety of stores; big box retailers as well as smaller independent shops. You can fly out from nearby Victoria International Airport or sail from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, a short drive out the Saanich Peninsula. Housing options in Langford run the gamut from condominiums, through townhomes, multifamily and single family residences. There is a plethora of affordable family housing available, as well as more luxurious neighborhoods, and everything in between. There are lakefront properties on the shores of Langford’s several lakes, even some country estates, acreages and hobby farms. Homes built near the newer commercial centres benefit from design that is very pedestrian and bicycle friendly, the aim being to reduce vehicle traffic wherever possible. There are ambitious plans already underway for neighborhoods that are built to high sustainability standards, with a focus on green development and social equity. Rapid development can be a good thing for a community, as long as it’s done with forethought. Langford has been careful to preserve links to the past, as well as protecting the natural beauty of the area. A number of sites and buildings are protected as historically significant heritage sites, such as: Heritage Trees on Humpback Rd – These were planted in 1886 by John Phair, the owner of the Goldstream Hotel, to mark a path from the E&N Goldstream Railway Station to his hotel. Happy Valley Lavendar & Herb Farm – This property has been farmed by the same family for the last century and the lavendar flower has significant meaning for the City of Langford, appearing throughout city plantings and in the city’s crest. Luxton Fairgrounds – The site of the agricultural Luxton Fair, since it was purchased by the Metchosin Farmers’ Institute in 1928. Loma Linda House – Built in 1914 by Fred Barker, owner of a sawmill company. This home displays impressive architecture with its gambrel roof, dormers and portico entrance. Pagoda House – About which little is known, though it is thought to have been built circa 1924 as a summer house or office for the Japanese consul. The distinct turned up corners of the roofline are certainly a landmark in the community. Several fine regional municipal and provincial parks are contained within the municipality to safeguard Langford’s flora, fauna and particularly beautiful natural spaces, among them: Goldstream Provincial Park – Famous for its 600 year old Douglas Fir and Cedar trees, and the annual salmon run of Chum, Chinook and Coho which attracts people, eagles and bear to witness (and feed on) this amazing natural event. There are miles of trails, some of them quite accessible, for the adventurous the hike to the top of Mt. Finlayson offers dramatic views, but be careful not to stray from the steep pathways, the moss covered rocky cliffs are dangerously slippery. Goldstream Park also offers camping, and seasonal interpretive programs at the Freeman King Visitor Centre. The Galloping Goose Regional Trail – A multi-use trail of 60 km’s that links several municipalities, “The Goose” offers a safe route for bicycle commuters as well as walkers and joggers along what was originally a rail service from Victoria to Sooke. Mill Hill Regional Park – Tucked away, this oasis of nature encompasses 71 hectares of Fir, Arbutus and Garry Oak forest, and in spring and early summer gorgeous wildflowers bloom. Trails lead through the forest to the summit of Mill Hill where you will find Views of Esquimalt Harbour, Victoria and the surrounding hills and mountains. Mt. Wells Regional Park – Established in 1996, is largely an undeveloped reserve, acquired by the Capital Regional District to safeguard the sites’ natural integrity. There are challenging trails that will take you to the summit for sweeping views of Juan de Fuca Strait, Victoria and the Sooke Hills. Several small lakes offer swimming, fishing and birdwatching, the largest; Langford Lake is stocked with trout and bass, and features trails and boardwalks that enable people to get right into the wetlands without disturbing any sensitive species. Other activities enjoyed by residents of Langford include: • Golf – There are several excellent courses including the Jack Nicklaus designed championship course at Bear Mountain; • Auto racing and family fun activities at Western Speedway and All Fun Recreation Park, and • Professional Rodeo at the Luxton Faigrounds. Langford has come a long way in the last two decades, and it will continue to grow because it has so much to offer. The mild climate, natural beauty and accessible amenities combine for a lifestyle that is hard to match. Geoff McLean is a realtor in Victoria BC who approaches his real estate vocation with honesty, integrity and straightforwardness. Geoff is also the primary author of a blog about his home city. Living in Victoria is a valuable source of information about the Greater Victoria area for those who are interested in moving to this beautiful city.
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