Council approved a community safety package using $450,000 already set aside in the budget, including a new RCMP officer, year-round bike patrols, small-business security grants and support for the Salvation Army’s Connection Point. It also adopted a 20-year housing strategy intended to guide delivery of about 17,000 homes, with actions to be put in place over the next five years. The most contested decision was rezoning city-owned land at 3213 and 3217 Happy Valley Road for a six-storey mixed-use building with a medical clinic: nearby residents warned of traffic, height and shadow impacts, while councillors backed the project for its clinic and local services. Council also rejected an amendment to add a mural program to the safety package, saying that idea needed its own discussion.
Generated from the recording's captions and the official minutes.
What was discussed
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6.1 Community Safety Working Groups Update - James Ridge
James Ridge presented recommendations from three working groups on property crime, safety in parks and trails, and homelessness and open drug use. The groups included police, city and regional staff, businesses, service providers and community representatives. Ridge said the recommendations were intended to inform a broader community safety plan expected before the end of 2026. He described proposed measures such as another RCMP officer, small-business security support, more park patrols, and expanded help connecting people with housing and social services.
Agreement
The working groups saw value in regular coordination among the agencies and community partners already working on safety and homelessness.
Speakers stressed that public safety includes both crime prevention and helping residents feel safe in parks and public spaces.
8.1 Community Safety Working Group Recommendations
public safety6 public speakers1:09:17 Watch · Read
Council approved a package of measures funded from the $450,000 already allocated in the budget: one additional RCMP officer at an estimated $225,000 a year, a $50,000 small-business security grant program, a full-time year-round bike patrol officer, and up to $50,000 for the Salvation Army’s Connection Point. The package also directs staff to support crime prevention and reporting, coordinate loss-prevention officers, encourage block watches, improve park-safety information and training, and advocate for provincial and regional action on housing, addiction services and chronic property offenders. Councillors agreed to add bear spray restrictions to the proposed spray-paint bylaw work. An amendment to explore a community mural program was defeated; the chair said murals deserved a separate discussion and community feedback.
Agreement
Councillors praised the working groups and supported combining enforcement, prevention, education and support for vulnerable people.
There was broad support for using the existing budget allocation and bringing back a fuller community safety plan before December 31, 2026.
Councillors agreed that the city should explore adding bear spray to the proposed restrictions on spray-paint sales.
Disagreement
Public speakers differed on block watches: one long-time volunteer said the program had helped their neighbourhood, while another speaker questioned its evidence and warned it could encourage suspicion or false accusations.
A councillor proposed adding work on a mural program to the safety recommendations. Some supported exploring it, but the chair and other councillors said the issue should be considered separately; the amendment failed.
Add bear spray to the sprays covered by the proposed restriction on purchasing and selling spray products, including requiring them to be locked up rather than freely available.
Official wording: THAT the main motion be amended by adding "bear spray" to section 7.
Add a direction to explore using MRDT funding for a community mural program with local artists and groups, with murals in commercial areas and places experiencing recurring tagging.
Official wording: THAT the main motion be amended by adding section 13:
13. Work with the local artists, with local artists and community groups such as the West Shore Arts Council and West Shore Chamber of Commerce, to explore the creation of a mural program using MRDT funding, and that community murals be added in commercial areas, and in areas where reoccurring tagging is identified as an issue.
Fund one additional RCMP officer, a $50,000 small-business security grant program, a full-time bike patrol officer, and up to $50,000 for a Salvation Army service space connecting people with social supports. Direct staff to pursue the listed local safety work, including business theft-prevention visits, block-watch promotion, crime-prevention measures in housing and construction, public safety campaigns, park and trail initiatives, trauma-informed training, policy review, and continued working-group meetings. Ask the Province and CRD for the specified funding, services, and regional trail improvements; work with West Shore neighbours to seek a role in regional homelessness response and advocate for more varied social housing; and bring back a draft Community Safety Plan before December 31, 2026.
Official wording: THAT Council approve the following expenditures from the funds allocated in the budget for initiatives arising from the Community Safety Working Groups:
Authorize the hiring of one additional RCMP officer at an annual cost of $225,000
Creation of a small business grant program in the amount of $50,000 to be administered by the West Shore Chamber of Commerce for security improvements
Authorize the addition of one full-time equivalent bike patrol officer
Authorize staff to enter into a service agreement with the Salvation Army for up to $50,000 for the purpose of providing space where members of the community can connect with social services and other supports to mitigate and prevent homelessness.
AND
THAT Council direct staff as follows:
Create a program wherein the Fire Department and RCMP visit small businesses to review their layout and make recommendations to minimize risks of theft while still ensuring the exits are clear and accessible in the event of an emergency.
Work with the RCMP to facilitate coordination meetings of Loss Prevention Officers.
Prepare and initiate a community campaign, together with the RCMP, encouraging block and neighbourhood watch programs.
Work with the Building Officials Association and developers to ensure crime prevention measures are included in the design of new housing.
Work with the development community to protect construction sites and equipment through theft prevention programs such as tool marking and identification.
Explore options for broad public communication around property crime prevention ideas as well as reporting out on enforcement activities and outcomes to enhance public awareness and preparedness.
Draft a bylaw for consideration at a future Council meeting that places restrictions on the purchase and sale of spray paint and bear spray and requiring that these sprays be locked up rather than freely available.
Work on a robust public awareness and personal safety education campaign with respect to park and trail safety and a coordinated use of social media and other communication channels to encourage active use of parks and trails and remind people of their obligations with respect to having dogs in parks and on trails.
Explore options for CRD Bylaw officers to join the City’s bylaw officers in undertaking joint patrols and hosting joint information sessions in parks and on trails, and for the City and CRD to actively engage with the School District and community partner organizations to expand free and accessible recreational, educational, and stewardship programming in City parks and trails.
Ensure all Bylaw Enforcement employees and Fire Fighters receive trauma-informed training and that the City encourage CRD Bylaw Enforcement employees to also participate in the training, either as part of the City’s group or on their own.
Review all of the City’s policies and practices to ensure that they are in alignment with human rights commission findings, federal housing policies and recent legal decisions.
Facilitate semi-annual meetings of the working group meetings to allow them to come together to discuss issues in a less formal, supportive environment.
AND
THAT Council further direct staff to send letters to the CRD and the Province advocating for the following:
The CPOII program be fully funded through the Province, with an eye to expand.
The Province allocate ongoing funding to create a support resource to help those in need navigate a complex system to find appropriate services; to allocate additional spending on health and addiction services and improved disability and other social programs; and to establish a guaranteed minimum income.
The CRD continue to improve the regional trail network with additional lighting, trail paving, and CEPTED design considerations for those portions of the regional trails within the West Shore.
AND
THAT Council work towards permanent solutions, in conjunction with our West Shore neighbours, to seek a seat at the Region’s Homelessness Encampment Working Group Response Leadership Table advocating to the Province for more varied social housing types, especially transitional housing.
AND
THAT Council direct staff to bring back a draft Community Safety Plan for consideration before December 31, 2026.
Council adopted a 20-year housing strategy aimed at supporting about 17,000 new homes, with 32 actions intended to guide work over the next five years. The plan covers market, affordable and social housing and links new homes with services, parks, transportation and other amenities. Staff said most actions can be handled with current resources, though expanding a proposed housing liaison role could require more staff. Councillors highlighted family-sized and accessible homes, tenant protections and help for smaller builders navigating approvals. One resident spoke in support of adopting the strategy.
Agreement
Councillors supported using the strategy as a flexible, evidence-based guide that can be updated as housing needs and conditions change.
Councillors welcomed actions on family-friendly housing, support for smaller-scale builders and ongoing conversations with housing providers and community groups.
Council received the minister’s letter about Arc Foundation funding for information. The chair reported that, after a meeting with the minister, the province was not prepared to restore the funding, but had affirmed that schools could continue to access the Arc Foundation’s SOGI 1 2 3 resources. Councillors welcomed that clarification while noting that school districts may struggle to pay for services after funding cuts.
Agreement
Councillors welcomed confirmation that schools could still access the resources.
Councillors noted that continued access does not resolve concerns about districts’ ability to pay.
Council adopted the zoning amendment for 709, 711, 715, 719 and 721 Massie Drive. A councillor noted that the project includes at least 10 three-bedroom homes and is near shops and transit, while acknowledging concerns about traffic and parking.
Council adopted the Official Community Plan and zoning amendments for 602 Madrona Place. The chair reminded councillors that the application had already been the subject of a public hearing. There was no further discussion.
Council gave first, second and third readings to an amendment to the city’s permissive tax exemption bylaw. Councillors said it would exempt the West Shore Chamber of Commerce at its new location on the ground floor of City Hall, supporting the city’s partnership with the Chamber and its economic development work.
Agreement
Councillors supported the tax exemption and welcomed the Chamber’s move to a more central, accessible location.
Give the proposed amendment to Langford’s permissive tax exemption bylaw its first three readings.
Official wording: THAT Council give "City of Langford Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 2147, Amendment No. 3, Bylaw No. 2284, 2026", first, second and third readings.
After noticing that this item had been skipped in the sequence, council gave first, second and third readings to a new permissive tax exemption bylaw. A councillor highlighted the Construction Foundation of British Columbia, the Forge recovery centre, the Sikh Family Resource Society and McCullough Housing Society as community organizations doing work worth supporting.
Agreement
Councillors supported granting the exemptions to the listed organizations.
Council adopted the housing agreement for 2124 Longspur Drive. Staff said the development permit had been issued and construction could move toward building permits once the housing agreement was registered.
Agreement
A councillor called the provision of affordable homes through housing agreements worth celebrating.
Council adopted the housing agreement for 2797 Scafe Road. A councillor welcomed the affordable housing proposal and noted its location near City Hall.
zoning development2 public speakers2:24:20 Watch · Read
Council gave first, second and third readings to rezone city-owned land at 3213 and 3217 Happy Valley Road from commercial and residential zones to a new mixed-use zone. The city wants a six-storey building with about 4,500 square feet of medical clinic space, 2,400 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, a plaza and up to four floors of homes. Two public speakers opposed the height, citing traffic, the lack of a sidewalk, nearby children and possible loss of sunlight to homes with planned solar panels. Councillors acknowledged the change for the mainly residential area, but supported it for the clinic and walkable services. Staff said six storeys were needed to make the project financially viable; future design review will address the transition to nearby lower-density homes.
Agreement
Councillors agreed the proposal would substantially change the area and that traffic and neighbourhood impacts deserved consideration.
Councillors who spoke in support pointed to the need for medical care and more local shops in South Langford.
Disagreement
Public speakers said a six-storey building would be too large for the location and worsen existing traffic and other neighbourhood impacts.
Councillors weighed those concerns against the expected clinic, housing and commercial benefits; the council vote was unanimous in favour.
Give the rezoning for 3213 and 3217 Happy Valley Road its first three readings, changing the sites from commercial and residential zoning to a mixed-use neighbourhood village zone. Require the development to include the specified proposal features, consolidate the properties, provide frontage and stormwater improvements, submit construction parking and mitigation plans, secure residential parking for residents and visitors, use electric heat pumps, and meet the City’s low-carbon concrete requirements.
Official wording: THAT Council:
1. Give Bylaw No. 2302 1 st , 2 nd , and 3 rd readings to amend the zoning designation of the properties located at 3213 and 3217 Happy Valley Road from Neighbourhood Commercial (C1) and One- and Two-Family Residential (R2) to Mixed-Use Neighbourhood Village (MU6A);
AND
2. Direct staff to ensure that the following occurs with this proposed development at 3213 and 3217 Happy Valley Road:
That any future permits that are to be issued include the features that are identified as mandatory and non-severable by the Request for Proposal associated with this development;
That the properties be consolidated prior to issuance of a Development Permit for Form and Character;
That the following be provided and implemented to Bylaw No. 1000 standards to the satisfaction of the Director of Engineering and Public Works prior to the issuance of a building permit:
Full frontage improvements; and
A storm water management plan.
That the following be provided and implemented to Bylaw No. 1000 standards to the satisfaction of the Director of Engineering and Public Works prior to any land alteration:
A Parking Construction Management Plan; and
A Mitigation Plan.
That a covenant be registered prior to issuance of an Occupancy Permit for the proposed development that ensures residential parking is allocated to each unit and visitors as required by the zoning bylaw and is not provided in exchange for compensation separate from that of a residential unit;
That the building be constructed with electric heat pumps for each individual unit or a central electric heat pump system;
That all concrete used on-site will utilize ready-mix concrete that meets or exceeds the weighted average Global Warming Potential targets based on Concrete BC Baseline (average) mix data, and that prior to the issuance of a Building Permit the applicant shall provide a Type III Environmental Product Declaration that is 3 rd party verified specifying the total Global Warming Potential value and confirming that the proposed development meets the requirements of Low Carbon Concrete Policy POL-0167-PLAN.
zoning development1 public speaker2:48:08 Watch · Read
Council first extended the meeting to 10:30 p.m., then gave first, second and third readings to a package of zoning text changes. The changes allow indoor and outdoor recreation at 2140 Caribou Drive and make updates on electric-vehicle charging, bike parking, home occupations, landscaping, visitor parking, signs and bylaw enforcement. Staff said the proposed removal of a separate electric-vehicle charging requirement for some ground-oriented homes would avoid an onerous paperwork step where a suitable outlet is usually already present. A public speaker also commented on how development images should reflect the surrounding neighbourhood.
Agreement
Councillors supported the zoning updates and the intended recreation use at 2140 Caribou Drive.
Staff said the electric-vehicle charging change would remove redundant requirements for many single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses.
Give the omnibus zoning amendments, covering 2140 Caribou Drive, landscaping, electric-vehicle charging and parking, their first three readings.
Official wording: THAT Council give “Langford Zoning Bylaw No. 300, Amendment No. 769 (Omnibus No. 69 Text Amendments, including 2140 Caribou Drive, Landscaping, EV Charging, and Parking), Bylaw No. 2303, 2026", 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd reading.
Council voted to close the meeting to the public to discuss municipal property security, land matters and preliminary negotiations about a proposed municipal service.
Close the meeting to the public to discuss municipal property security, a land matter where public disclosure could harm the City, and preliminary discussions about a proposed municipal service that could also be harmed by public discussion.
Official wording: THAT Council close the meeting to the public pursuant to section 90 (1) (d), (e), and (k) of the Community Charter to consider:
the security of the property of the municipality;
the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality;
negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public.