26 INVEST in BC 2 0 2 4
VANCOUVER ISLAND/COAST
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Campbell River
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Comox
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Courtenay
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Cowichan
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Duncan
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Esquimalt
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Ladysmith
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Lake Cowichan
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Langford
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Nanaimo
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North Cowichan
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Parksville
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Port Alberni
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Port Alice
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Port Hardy
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Port McNeill
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Powell River
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Qualicum Beach
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Saanich
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Sidney
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Sooke
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Tofino
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Ucluelet
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Victoria
SHARE OF B.C.
POPULATION 17%
Of
all Vancouver Island
municipalities, perhaps none
are feeling the pressures of
growth more than Langford is. The once
sleepy suburb to the west of Victoria today
is welcoming new residents, businesses,
schools and health facilities. Between
the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the city's
population jumped 31.8 percent. But until
recently Langford had no public space
where people could gather, enjoy a stroll,
sample food al fresco or listen to live music
and feel part of the community.
For years residents and business owners
had expressed concern about a derelict,
500-metre section of decommissioned
rail line near the centre of the city. The
owner, the Island Corridor Foundation,
approached the City of Langford about
revitalizing the property and in 2021
signed a 30-year lease whereby the
municipality would develop an indoor/
outdoor cultural district funded by the
Union of B.C. Municipalities Gas Tax Fund,
the Island Coastal Economic Trust and
local donors.
Today The Langford Station, as the
development is known, is animated by
artists, retailers, murals, sculptures,
interactive lighting installations and food
trucks 12 months a year. It hosts special
events and live music from time to time.
There's an off-leash dog park and below-
market space available for art studios and
retail business incubation that are eagerly
sought after. And of course residents
have flocked to the area as a place to
meet and bring visitors. After so much
growth, Langford now has a place to let
its hair down.
This year the BCEDA honoured the
City of Langford with its Community
Project Award for The Langford Station,
Welcoming Shores
The Vancouver Island/Coast region has become a magnet for migrants and innovative businesses alike
CIT
Y
OF
LANGFORD
(ALL
PHOTOS)
Official Publication of the BC Economic Development Association in special partnership with BCBusiness.
