28 To p t o b o t t o m : C i t y o f L a n g f o r d ; To u r i s m Va n c o u v e r I s l a n d / To u r i s m C o w i c h a n / R o b W il s o n ; S h e r i n g h a m D i s t ill e r y
B C B U S I N E S S . C A
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 5
year was Duncan/North Cowichan, rising
29 spots to No. 13. The biggest loser was
Richmond, which fell 26 spots to No. 39.
Other big droppers included Langley (25
spots), Burnaby and Nelson (both 23 spots).
HUB OF THE CAPITAL REGION'S
BOOMING WEST SHORE
Sheringham Distillery is not alone in notic-
ing Langford's appeal. Between the 2016
and 2021 federal censuses, the city's popu-
lation grew by an astonishing 31.8 percent.
In 2019, it attracted pro soccer team Pacific
FC of the Canadian Premier League to its
Starlight Stadium. Plexxis Software moved
its headquarters there from Brampton,
Ontario, in 2021, along with 100 high-tech
jobs. This summer, a unique multi-school
campus is opening downtown to accom-
modate new classroom space for Royal
Roads University, the University of Victoria,
the Justice Institute of B.C. and Camosun
College. The community is also rolling out
new industrial space with Langford Heights
Business Park and Pacific Ridge Business
Centre and plans are in the works for a film
and television studio.
Jason MacIsaac credits the City of Lang-
ford with being proactive about attracting
his business. Members of both the plan-
ning and building departments paid Sher-
ingham Distillery a visit in Sooke within
days of his initial enquiries. All through the
relocation, they answered questions and
helped the operation get the permits, sup-
pliers and advisors it needed.
The reception by other Langford
businesses likewise surprised MacIsaac.
Before long, Sheringham was co-hosting
events with the newly opened House of
Boateng nearby, which MacIsaac describes
as bringing a higher level of cuisine and
BEST
CITIES
FOR WORK
THE
HIGH SPIRITS
Langford (top) placed second on our
Most Resilient Cities list this year,
and businesses like Sheringham
Distillery (right) are raising a glass to
the thriving region. Duncan (above)
shot up to number 13, 29 spots
above its 2024 position
