Langford, British Columbia
City of Langford | |
|---|---|
City | |
 Location of Langford in British Columbia | |
| Country |  Canada |
| Province |  British Columbia |
| Region | Vancouver Island |
| Regional district | Capital |
| Founded | 1851 |
| Incorporated | December 8, 1992 |
| Government | |
| • Governing body | Langford City Council |
| • Mayor | Stewart Young |
| Area | |
| • Total | 39.94 km2 (15.42 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 76 m (249 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 29,228 |
| • Density | 731.9/km2 (1,896/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−8 (PST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−7 (PDT) |
| Highways | 1, 14 |
| Waterways | Saanich Inlet |
| Website | City of Langford |
Langford is a city of 29,228 residents on southern Vancouver Island, within the province of British Columbia, Canada. It is considered one of Greater Victoria's Western Communities. Its municipal neighbours are Colwood to the southeast, Highlands to the north, Metchosin to the southwest, and View Royal to the northeast.
History
Langford was named after Captain Edward Langford, who established in 1851 a farm called Colwood for the Puget Sound Agricultural Company in the area that covers most of modern Langford and Colwood.[1] Langford was incorporated as a district municipality in December 1992.[2]
Attractions
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A new park was also built in remembrance of Canadian war veterans. It can be found on the southeast corner of the city's main traffic intersection: Veterans Memorial Parkway and Goldstream Avenue. Although the pace of development and some planning decisions (particularly "big-box" retail developments) have attracted criticism, the community continues to grow rapidly. It is the largest municipality in the Western Communities, and third-largest in the Capital Regional District after Saanich and Victoria. It serves as the commercial hub for the Western Communities. Things to do in Langford include shopping at Westshore Town Centre (formerly Canwest Mall) and taking in some county-fair style amusement and food at Luxton Fair, which takes place in mid-September at the local fairgrounds. Visitors can also participate in go-karting and mini-golfing, and watch stock-car racing, at Western Speedway. One of Canada's sea cadet corps is RCSCC Beacon Hill on Dunford Road. There are many lakes in the area, including Langford, Glen and Florence Lakes, and the CRD regional park, Mill Hill Park.
Geography
Notable physical features of Langford include the three prominent lakes (Langford Lake, Glen Lake and Florence Lake) and the Humpback reservoir, several peaks such as Mount Finlayson and Mount Wells, and the famous Goldstream Provincial Park. The Malahat drive, part of the Trans-Canada Highway, begins in Langford, and the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and the E and N Railway go through the city.
Demographics
Langford had a population of 22,459 people in 2006, which was an increase of 19.2% from the 2001 census count. The median household income in 2005 for Langford was $64,199, which is above the British Columbia provincial average of $52,709.[3]
Langford neighbourhoods
- Florence Lake
- Glen Lake
- Goldstream
- Luxton
- Millstream
- Ravenwood
- Thetis Heights
- Bear Mountain
Famous people
Education
Langford is a part of the School District 62 Sooke.It is home to one of Vancouver Island's largest high schools Belmont Secondary School. There is also the Lighthouse Christian Academy which serves Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Notable features
Langford is directly connected to its neighbour Colwood. The current city council has recently enjoyed praise regarding the upkeep and tidiness of the central business district. Winner of Provincial blooming award in 2007, Langford council has also set up a programme for affordable housing. Every year in mid-December, Langford hosts an annual fire truck parade which features decorated fire trucks from around the province. Most recently, Langford has plans to build the first Canadian community based on the LEED environmental standard.
Bear Mountain Tree-Sit Protest
Langford made news in early 2008 as a growing protest brought attention to a conflict surrounding Bear Mountain Resort. Protestors against the development claimed that the construction of the country club and high-end resort community desecrated sacred First Nations caves located on their property. A "tree sit blockade" was made to protest the resort.