Council heard plans for safer walking, cycling and transit links, including a new north–south highway overpass, while consultants stressed that adding road lanes alone would not solve Langford’s congestion. The proposed waste service drew a sharp choice: modeled costs were about $240–$284 a household per year, but residents questioned mandatory participation, long contracts and whether savings would hold; Council only received the report, with a joint procurement process with Colwood still to come. Council approved Langford’s first Arts and Cultural Development Strategy and agreed not to join the Capital Regional District’s arts funding service at this time, as speakers pressed for a community-run theatre rather than relying on a school theatre. It also gave three readings to new amenity-charge and affordable-housing bylaws, and approved variances for a major West Shore RCMP expansion despite one councillor’s objection to the building’s reduced setbacks and street-facing design.
Generated from the recording's captions and the official minutes.
Consultants presented the final draft of Langford’s Transportation Master Plan and Active Transportation Plan, which look ahead to a population of 100,000. The plans propose about 14 kilometres of new road connections and upgrades to 14 intersections, while prioritizing walking, cycling and transit as well as vehicle movement. Proposals include protected bike routes, better sidewalks and bus stops, and an all-ages-and-abilities overpass across Highway 1 to link north and south Langford. The plans are still drafts: staff expect to post them online for at least two weeks, then bring them back to Council for adoption later in summer 2026.
Agreement
Council and presenters recognized that road changes will take years and that major proposals need further study, public engagement and staged implementation.
There was support for safer routes for people walking, cycling and using mobility devices, including a fully separated overpass across Highway 1.
The proposed connection near Larcol/Larkhall was described as a way to move traffic away from the congested Peat Road–Veterans Memorial Parkway intersection.
Disagreement
Public feedback raised concerns about the initial Peat Road concept, including reduced access to Mill Hill and possible effects on congestion and emergency response. The revised draft retains the southbound left turn into Mill Hill and describes staged improvements.
Some feedback sought more road capacity and recognition of private vehicles; presenters argued that added lanes often attract more driving and do not solve congestion on their own.
Council asked how to balance access for motorists with pedestrian and cycling safety, and how to sequence possible road closures and connections. Presenters said the plans identify options, not immediate construction decisions.
Consultants compared three possible levels of municipally contracted curbside garbage and organics service for homes in buildings of six units or fewer. Their preliminary annual estimates ranged from about $240 per household for biweekly garbage and organics to just over $280 for biweekly garbage and weekly organics; these are models, not contract prices. The survey of 431 people found that 57% prioritized keeping costs down, 65% would support biweekly garbage if it were cheaper, and respondents preferred a fee based on cart size. A negotiated request for proposals with Colwood is expected in late summer or early fall, with a possible phased start in 2027. No service level was selected at this presentation.
Agreement
The cost figures are preliminary estimates for comparing options; the actual price depends on competitive proposals.
Council and staff treated cost, waste diversion and service benefits as factors to assess together, rather than choosing a provider on price alone.
Disagreement
Councillors asked whether residents could opt out, and whether households in larger strata buildings could opt in. Staff said a mandatory program would be needed to address dumping and that opt-in eligibility would be explored.
Councillors raised concerns about the range of service levels, including yard-waste collection, and whether Colwood’s existing services could limit Langford’s choices. Staff said the two cities could negotiate different service levels with one contractor.
Presenters cautioned that better signal timing is not a fix for congestion caused by highway-merge queues; the plans treat it as one part of a broader set of measures.
4.3 Amenity Cost Charge and Inclusionary Zoning Bylaws
Consultants explained draft bylaws to replace Langford’s existing negotiated contributions for affordable housing and community amenities. Provincial legislation requires the city to change its approach by June 30. The proposals would set clearer, citywide charges and affordable-housing requirements, based on financial analysis intended to avoid discouraging development. Consultants recommended keeping requirements close to current levels in a weak market and reviewing them in about three years. Council later considered the bylaws under item 11.1.
Agreement
The new provincial rules require Langford to replace its current general density-bonus approach for securing contributions.
The proposals are intended to make requirements clearer and more consistent across housing types and areas of the city.
Councillors supported the value of reviewing the rates as market conditions change.
Disagreement
A councillor questioned whether the new choice between providing affordable units or paying cash in lieu would reduce what the city receives compared with the former approach. Consultants said the legislation requires this structure and that requirements had been smoothed across housing types.
Councillors asked whether the listed amenity projects, including a recreation centre, would consume the available funds at the expense of other priorities such as a library or arts facilities. Staff said the funds can only be spent on amenities named in the bylaw unless it is amended.
Five members of the public spoke across several agenda items. Two speakers supported the arts strategy but urged Council to ensure a proposed theatre near the planned North Langford Secondary School would be community-owned or operated and suitable for public use. A speaker praised the annual report’s disclosure of tax exemptions, noting the 2025 total exceeded $1.8 million. A resident opposed moving away from private garbage service, while a caller urged Council not to commit to a long-term waste contract close to an election and criticized the cost of obtaining complaint records. One speaker also commented on the proposed development contribution and housing bylaws. Council reopened participation at 8:48 p.m. after a caller’s raised hand was noticed.
Agreement
Speakers highlighted the value of public access to information, including clear reporting on tax exemptions and garbage-service complaints.
The arts speakers supported developing theatre space in the West Shore while emphasizing the need to involve community groups.
Disagreement
One speaker preferred keeping private garbage collection and questioned whether the proposed service was needed; another urged Council to defer a decision that could bind a future council.
The arts speakers warned that a school theatre may not be available or suitable for community and professional groups, and questioned the proposed 750-seat size; staff later described school-district discussions as an early exploratory step.
Council adopted the recommendations for the June 1, 2026 special council and regular council minutes. No items were removed for separate consideration.
Routine: adopt the minutes of the June 1 special council meeting and council meeting.
Official wording: THAT Council adopt the recommendations for each item of the Consent Agenda as presented:
Minutes of the Special Council Meeting - June 1, 2026 (ADOPT)
Minutes of the Council Meeting - June 1, 2026 (ADOPT)
Council approved a development variance permit for 1436 Pinehurst Place, allowing a rear property-line fence to be up to 3.4 metres high instead of the 1.8-metre limit. A councillor said the taller fence was a reasonable response to the close placement of a neighbouring building and would help the resident enjoy their home.
Agreement
Council supported the site-specific variance as a reasonable response to the neighbouring building’s location.
Allow Ryan Allman to build a fence up to 3.4 metres high along the rear property line at 1436 Pinehurst Place, rather than the usual 1.8-metre limit.
Official wording: THAT Development Variance Permit No. DVP26-0001 be issued by Council for the City of Langford to Ryan Allman to increase the allowable fence height along the rear property line at 1436 Pinehurst Place subject to the following terms and conditions:
1. Variance
The following regulations of Zoning Bylaw No. 300 be varied pursuant to section 498 of the Local Government Act:
a) THAT Section 3.21.03(4)(a)(1) be varied to increase the allowable height of a fence along the rear lot line from 1.8 m (5.9 ft) to 3.4 m (11.1 ft).
community services2 public speakers2:54:12 Watch · Read
Council approved Langford’s first comprehensive Arts and Cultural Development Strategy, a five-year plan focused on access, community participation and the local creative economy. Council also directed staff to advise the Capital Regional District (CRD) that Langford will not join its arts funding service at this time. Speakers urged Council to make sure any theatre near the proposed North Langford Secondary School is genuinely usable by community and professional groups, and suggested a smaller 350-seat venue rather than the proposed 750 seats. Councillors discussed bringing local groups together and exploring the school option before deciding whether to pursue regional funding.
Agreement
Councillors supported establishing a clear plan for arts and culture and recognized its contribution to community identity and inclusion.
Councillors and staff emphasized the need for collaboration across the West Shore and for more discussion before a theatre option is chosen.
Disagreement
Public speakers said school theatres often do not work for community and professional groups, and urged Council to include community groups in planning. Staff said initial discussions with the school district should first establish whether the option is feasible.
Councillors supported pausing before joining the CRD arts funding service, while also describing regional participation as a possible future step.
Adopt the city’s arts and culture strategy; do not join the CRD arts-funding service for now; keep the West Shore Arts Council’s 2026 funding at $10,000 while reviewing how it delivers services; hire a consultant to help regional partners discuss a renewed vision for a West Shore arts council; and explore with the school district whether a performing arts theatre could be located alongside the proposed North Langford secondary school.
Official wording: THAT Council approve the Arts and Cultural Development Strategy as presented;
AND
THAT Council direct staff to advise the CRD that the City of Langford will not be joining the CRD Arts Funding Service at this time;
AND
THAT Council direct staff to advise the West Shore Arts Council that the 2026 funding amount will be maintained at $10,000, while the City reviews the service delivery model provided by the West Shore Arts Council;
AND
THAT Council direct staff to work a consultant to guide conversations with City of Colwood, Town of View Royal, District of Highlands, District of Metchosin, District of Sooke, West Shore artists/performers, the West Shore Arts Council and Arts and Culture Colwood Society to discuss a refreshed long-term vision for a West Shore regional arts council;
AND
THAT Council direct staff to work with the Sooke School District to explore opportunities for a performing arts theatre collocated with the proposed North Langford secondary school.
Council approved the 2025 Annual Report with an amendment adding a table of 2025 bylaw-enforcement statistics. Staff said the draft had mistakenly included 2024 figures and would be corrected before final publication. A public speaker welcomed the inclusion of revitalization tax exemptions, saying the combined permissive and revitalization exemptions exceeded $1.8 million in 2025. Councillors praised the report’s detail on city services, projects and spending.
Agreement
Councillors and a public speaker supported the report’s role in showing residents what the city did and how public funds and tax exemptions are used.
Staff confirmed the incorrect bylaw statistics would be replaced with the 2025 figures before the report was finalized.
Approve the 2025 annual report with corrected bylaw statistics added: enforcement files, community safety patrols, parking warnings and tickets, and early-morning wellness checks.
Official wording: THAT Council approve the 2025 Annual Report as amended with the addition of the following table:
Key Bylaw Stats for 2025
• 1469 number of enforcement files opened
• 236 number of community safety patrols
• 2067 number of parking warnings issued
• 744 number of parking tickets issued
• 365 daily unhoused early morning wellness checks completed
parks environment2 public speakers3:34:39 Watch · Read
Council received the waste-service report for information; it did not choose a service level or award a contract. The report found that a municipally contracted service could lower average household costs, reduce overlapping truck routes and support waste diversion. Staff plan to issue a negotiated request for proposals with Colwood, bring forward a solid-waste bylaw before contract award and target a phased rollout in 2027. One public speaker preferred private collection, while a caller urged Council not to make a seven-to-nine-year commitment close to an election and questioned the city’s handling of requests for complaint records.
Agreement
Councillors agreed that the actual contract price and service options must be assessed after proposals are received.
Councillors recognized that the current system has different impacts on residents, including renters and households that do not currently subscribe to collection.
Disagreement
A public speaker favoured private service and worried about higher costs; another questioned whether a mandatory service should be advanced so close to an election.
Several councillors supported moving toward a coordinated service for cost, noise, road wear and waste-diversion reasons, while acknowledging the change would affect households differently.
The application seeks several zoning variances to expand the West Shore RCMP detachment, including reduced setbacks and landscaping requirements and permission for 101 parking stalls. Staff said the new building would use roughly the footprint of the portion being replaced, and the provincial ministry had approved the setback along Veterans Memorial Parkway. Sidewalks are planned along all three road frontages. Council approved notice that it will consider issuing the permit; the decision was not the final permit issuance. One councillor opposed the variances, arguing that a publicly funded building should better reflect the city’s desired street presence and that the reduced setbacks would affect the area for decades.
Agreement
Councillors supported the need to expand the RCMP detachment for the growing community.
Staff confirmed that sidewalks would be provided on all three sides of the site and that vehicle sight lines had been considered.
Disagreement
One councillor objected to the scale of the setback variances and the building’s relationship to the street; other councillors supported the proposal as the viable, cost-conscious option identified through the project process.
Councillors asked whether alternative layouts or landscaping were possible. Staff said the approved project validation had identified this siting as the only option meeting the project requirements and target cost.
Give public notice that Council will consider relaxing several setback and landscaping requirements for the listed Atkins Avenue and Winster Road properties, and allowing 101 off-street parking spaces for the development.
Official wording: THAT Council direct staff to provide notice that Council will consider issuing a Development Variance Permit for the properties 698, 678, 674 Atkins Ave, and 2792, 2788 Winster Rd:
1. With the following variances to setback and landscaping requirements:
a. That Section 6.81.05(1) of Zoning Bylaw No. 300 be varied to reduce the exterior side lot line setback from 7.5 m to 2.9 m;
b. That Section 6.81.05(3) of Zoning Bylaw No. 300 be varied to reduce the rear lot line setback from 10 m to 1.1 m;
c. That Section 3.05.02(5) Zoning Bylaw No. 300 be varied to reduce the exterior side lot line setback for accessory buildings and structures from 6 m to 2 m;
d. That Section 3.05.02(5) of Zoning Bylaw No. 300 be varied to reduce the side lot line setback for accessory buildings and structures from 1 m to 0.5 m;
e. That Section 3.21.01(1) of Zoning Bylaw No. 300 be varied to eliminate the requirement for a 1 m width landscaping and screening area;
f. That Section 6.81.06 of Zoning Bylaw No. 300 be varied to eliminate the requirement for a 3 m landscape screening area;
g. That Section 3.21.02(3) of Zoning Bylaw No. 300 be varied to eliminate the requirement for a shrub or hedge at a minimum height of 1.2 m between vehicle parking areas and highways; AND
2. Part 4 of the Zoning Bylaw No. 300 at the date of Development Variance Permit application submission shall be applicable to the development subject to the following variance:
a. That Section 4.01.01 (Table 1) of Zoning Bylaw No. 300 be varied to reduce the amount of off-street parking to 101 stalls.
A notice of motion was read proposing a letter to the provincial government and local Members of the Legislative Assembly asking that Local Government Climate Action Program funding continue. The proposed letter would also be shared with the Capital Regional District and other local governments. The transcript records the notice being read but no debate or vote.
10.2 Establishing a Scholarship Award for the Late Councillor Lillian Szpak
A notice of motion was read proposing a one-time $10,000 contribution from the Council Contingency Fund toward an endowment for a scholarship at Royal Roads University in honour of the late Councillor Lillian Szpak. The transcript records the notice being read but no debate or vote.
A notice of motion was read proposing that staff work with Canada Post on community mailboxes and explore ways to make mailbox locations neighbourhood gathering points, with features such as notice boards and seating. The transcript records the notice being read but no debate or vote.
Council gave first, second and third readings to three bylaws establishing amenity cost charges, inclusionary zoning requirements and the associated reserve funds. The changes replace Langford’s general density-bonus approach to collecting contributions with clearer rules aligned with provincial legislation. Proposed amenity charges include $3,050 per multiplex, townhouse or apartment unit and $5,000 per large-lot detached home; affordable-housing requirements vary by housing type, with options for cash in lieu in specified cases. The bylaws identify a recreation centre, community and arts centre, and transformed streets among the amenities the funds may support. A public speaker urged that contributions be payable as late as possible in the development process and emphasized that provincial and federal housing programs may change.
Agreement
Councillors supported replacing the existing system to meet the provincial deadline and provide clearer expectations for development.
Councillors supported reviewing the rates as market conditions change, with a review recommended in about three years.
Councillors said the bylaws identify priorities for the funds while leaving some flexibility over which listed project is funded first.
Disagreement
A public speaker raised concern that the proposed contribution timing could add carrying costs for developers and urged close alignment with changing senior-government housing programs.
Councillors raised different amenity priorities, including recreation, arts, public realm improvements and a library; staff said funds can only be spent on amenities named in the bylaw unless it is amended.
Give initial approval to new rules for amenity charges and inclusionary zoning, direct staff to prepare any needed updates to the city’s affordable-housing and attainable-home-ownership policies, and give initial approval to the related reserve-fund change.
Official wording: THAT Council:
Give first, second, and third readings to Amenity Cost Charge Bylaw No. 2275, 2026; AND
Give first, second, and third readings to Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw No. 2270, 2026; AND
Direct staff to bring forward any necessary corresponding amendments to POL-0011-PLAN “Affordable Housing and Community Amenity Policy” and POL-0166-PLAN “Attainable Home Ownership Policy Program”; AND
Give first, second, and third readings to City of Langford Reserve Fund Establishment Bylaw, 2004, Bylaw No. 857, Amendment No. 3, Bylaw No. 2271, 2026”.
Council gave three readings to zoning amendments that remove general density-bonus provisions, create four replacement residential zones and update rules for small-scale multi-unit housing to meet provincial requirements. Staff said the new zones cover common forms including ground-oriented infill, townhouses and six-storey residential or mixed-use buildings. They also add landscaping requirements as a pilot intended to support the urban forest and design goals. A public speaker supported greater certainty but raised concerns about differences between building heights and the difficulty of delivering affordable housing under changing construction and funding conditions.
Agreement
Council supported bringing Langford’s zoning rules into line with provincial housing legislation.
Staff and councillors treated the new landscaping rules as a pilot that can be reviewed and adjusted as development applications come forward.
Give initial approval to the proposed new residential zones and small-scale multi-unit housing rules.
Official wording: THAT Council
Give first, second and third reading to Omnibus Bylaw No. 68 – New Residential Zones Bylaw No. 2274, 2026 as drafted; AND
Give first, second and third reading to Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Bylaw No. 2273, 2026 as drafted.
Council gave first reading to Official Community Plan and zoning amendments for 602 Madrona Place. A councillor said the site already has housing and the application concerns an undeveloped portion following a boundary adjustment. The next step is the public-hearing process.
Agreement
Councillors supported advancing the application to the next stage for public input.
Give initial approval to proposed changes to the city’s community plan and zoning for 602 Madrona Place.
Official wording: THAT Council give first reading to “Langford Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2200, Amendment No. 1 (602 Madrona Place), Bylaw No. 2253, 2026";
AND
THAT Council give first reading to “Langford Zoning Bylaw No. 300, Amendment No. 757 (602 Madrona Place), Bylaw No. 2254, 2026".