Inside Langford

Rescinding galore

Steven Hurdle — Mon, 07 May 2012 02:24:53 +0000

An unusually large number of proposals (five) are being rescinded and re-voted on at tomorrow’s Langford Council meeting. With the City of Langford reducing the costs for developments, and reducing the number of affordable housing units required of developers, I wonder if there’s a connection? I haven’t yet finished the whole 188 page agenda.

There are also three public hearings (one for Boulder Ridge, one for Massie Drive, and one for Walfred Road), a development variance permit for Happy Valley, and several other proposals (including a “Request to Temporary Dye Goldstream Fountain Pink”). Click here to read the entire agenda.

If you need 5 variances – does the development fit the lot?

Cheryl McLachlan — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:56:18 +0000

One development on Happy Valley Road is requesting 5 different variances to make the development work on the site. I had previously suggested a ’3 strikes you are out’ policy in regards to needing 3 or more variances for one development, as I feel this could mean the proposed development does not fit the lot. If we believe that the City of Langford’s zoning bylaws are workable, reasonable and impose restrictions and limits to keep neighbourhoods liveable 5 variances seems very excessive. However, there maybe reasons and a rationale that will be presented by the proponent that explains it all. Also there is a proposed 4 storey residential building for Hockley and statistical info. on Feb. development applications and a table of current applications in process.

Planning, Zoning and Affordable Housing Committee
Monday, March 26th, 2012 @ 7:00 pm

REPORTS
a) Application to vary lot width, setbacks, parking requirements, turnaround area and height to allow for a five lot subdivision at 3380 Happy Valley Road – Staff Report
b) Application to Amend the Zoning Designation of the Property at 790 Hockley Avenue from Rl (One-Family Residential) to C8A (Community Town Centre Pedestrian A) to allow for the construction of a four (4) storey multi-family residential building consisting of approximately 21 dwelling units. – Staff Report
c) Planning Department – Statistical Information – February 2012 – Staff Report

It is all about the lakes: signs, invading bullfrogs and an aerator

Cheryl McLachlan — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 22:07:47 +0000

The Parks and Rec Committee will be receiving 3 verbals reports. This should be a very informative meeting if you are interested in what happens in and around Langford’s lakes, in particular Langford Lake will be discussed for all 3 agenda items.

Parks, Recreation, Culture and Beautification Committee
Monday, March 26th, 2012 @ 5:00 pm
REPORTS
a) Interpretive Signs – Langford Lake
- Verbal Report – Mr. Ian McKenzie
b) Bullfrog Eradication Program Results – CRD 2011
- Prepared by Stan A. Orchard
c) Langford Lake Aerator
- Verbal Report- Parks Manager

Omnibus and Small Lots

Cheryl McLachlan — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 02:02:31 +0000

Here is a quick look at the agenda for the Monday, March 12th, 7pm, Planning, Zoning & Affordable Housing Committee meeting. And a reminder, if you have questions or want to give input on any of these proposals, this is your best opportunity as there is more discussion between committee members and sometimes with members of the public when proposals are at the committee level. Committees only give recommendations to council, but usually council follows the recommendations of their committees. Committees are composed of 2 councilors and 3-4 appointed members of the public for most of the committees.

1) Application to Rezone 703 Massie Drive from R2 (One and Two-Family Residential) to MUIA (Mixed Use Residential Commercial) in order to create a ten (10) unit residential development.

2) When Zoning Bylaw No. 300 was adopted in February 1999, it was anticipated that periodic revisions to the bylaw would be required. In consultation with developers, staff is proposing the following omnibus changes to Zoning Bylaw No. 300:
• Increase the maximum height of an apartment building in the C8, C8A, MU1, MUIA, RM7, RM7A and RM9 zones;
• Amend the subdivision lot requirements in the R4 zone to allow a parent parcel to be averaged out to 1 lot per 1/4 acre; and
• Amend Part 4 to prohibit recreational vehicle parking on small lots.

3) Application to amend the CD10 Zone (Comprehensive Development – Boulder Ridge) for the properties at 3347, 3348, 3351, 3354, 3355, 3359, 3360, 3363, 3364, 3367, 3368, 2271, 3375 Vision Way and 903 TayberryTerrace.

4) Application to Rezone 963 Walfred Rd from R2 (One and Two-Family Residential) to RS3 (Residential Small Lot 3) to Allow a 1-lot Subdivision.

More development incentives and Haiti Mission continues

Cheryl McLachlan — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:35:31 +0000

The beginning of Feb. brings the 2nd meeting of Langford Council in 2012. With only 4 Bylaws to vote on before the in-camera session on “Property Acquisition/Disposition and Negotiations” it could be a very short meeting. In quickly skimming over the agenda (available on the City of Langford website) what caught my attention was a proposal from the Planning Dept. to change the City of Langford’s Affordable Housing Program from 1 affordable home built for every 10 to 1 in every 15, along with, from the previous Council meeting in Jan., reducing DCCs (Develop Cost Charges), both are to be incentives to deal with the slowdown in development. Also, the recommendation is in for who to award the contract to for further work on the Spencer Road Interchange/Bear Mt. Connector/Bridge to Nowhere project to be paid for with the City of Langford’s newly borrowed $3 million.

Award of Consulting Engineering Services – Leigh Road Interchange Phase lb
• Northbound off – ramp (from the TCH heading toward the bridge and Bear Mountain Parkway);
• Southbound on – ramp (from Leigh Road heading to Victoria);
• Brock Avenue connector
• Frontage road from current Spencer Road on the north side of the highway leading to the Brock Avenue connector

Upon a thorough review of all proposals the evaluating committee recommends that the contract be awarded to FOCUS Corporation. FOCUS prepared a bid that included a cost estimate of $299,731.75 in fees and disbursements.

As well I would like to note, at the last Protective Services Committee meeting, Fire Chief Bob Beckett, did a wonderful presentation on the ongoing project the City of Langford Fire Department members and City of Langford staff and other community members have undertaken with their own time, energy and money to help rebuild and improve an orphanage in Haiti that was devastated by the earthquake in 2010. Rebuilding and improvements include:

While the initial goal was to replace the damaged building, our volunteers recognized that there was other work required in order to ensure the safety and sustainability of the orphanage. So, while our building was being designed and built, teams of volunteers using local Haitian labor accomplished the following:
• Built a 12′ security wall around the perimeter including a large metal gate and man door for the safety and security of the children.
• Refurbished the outdoor latrines including providing 2 more toilets and providing privacy doors.
• Installed a 500 gal water reservoir to provide for water reserves given the intermittent municipal water supply situation.
• Built a fully enclosed outdoor kitchen complete with a 3-burner propane stove so the children could boil their water and have adequate facilities to cook for 50 or so.
• Provided 2 40 ft. metal sea containers complete with shelving for dry, secure storage.
• Started to level the site so as to provide adequate drainage to remove the disease infested stagnant water.
In addition to the above mentioned goals we are also committed to have a deep well dug, a retaining wall on the inside of the compound built, security wire installed on the top of the perimeter wall, completing the site drainage project, and furnishing our building, all of which will be done in time for the dedication.

As we begin the 2nd week in Feb. volunteers once again, paying their own way and donating their own time, are off to Haiti to complete this project. Donations are being accepted to help support this community project. “Check out the City of Langford website for an article and a way to donate”.

Upcoming Committee Meetings

Cheryl McLachlan — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:23:38 +0000

There are two committee meetings scheduled for this week. And happily it is much easier to find that out and find the agendas since the ‘Meeting Calendar’ has been updated and the “List Upcoming Meetings’ tab on the left hand sidebar has returned to the City Hall page of the City of Langford website.

PLANNING, ZONING AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMITTEE
Monday, January 23rd, 2012 @ 7:00 pm

REPORTS
a) Planning Department Five Year Financial Plan for 2012 – 2016
b) Planning Department Statistical Information for December, 2011
c) Application to vary the Rear Yard Setback for a Single Family Dwelling from the required 6 m. (20 ft.) to 3 m. (10 ft.) – 929 Aqua Court
d) Application to vary Frontage Improvements – 671 Hoylake Avenue
e) Application to vary the Minimum Required Lot Width and Minimum Required Setbacks to allow a 6 – lot Subdivision – 969 Brock Avenue
f) Application to Rezone various properties adjacent to Leigh Road to a new Business and Technology Park Zone

PROTECTIVE SERVICES COMMITTEE
Tuesday, January 24th, 2012 @ 5 pm

PRESENTATION
Haiti Orphanage Project Update
- Fire Chief Bob Beckett (verbal)

REPORTS
a) Police Services Five-Year Financial Plan for 2012-2016
b) Building Department Five Year Financial Plan for 2012-2016
c) Community Safety and Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Plan for 2012-2016
d) Fire Department Five Year Financial Plan 2012-2016
e) RCMP Monthly Report – October to December 2011
f) Fire Safety Report for December 2011

CORRESPONDENCE
Pacific Centre Family Services Association
Re: Community Outreach Prevention and Education Program July 1st – September 2011

1st Council Meeting of 2012 runs the gamut

Cheryl McLachlan — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 03:52:01 +0000

The first Council meeting of 2012 starts out with a full gamut of items:
4 Public Hearings,
1 Temporary Use Permit,
2 Development Variance Permits,
7 Bylaws
But don’t be late, you might miss the meeting. Traditionally Langford Council does not have long meetings even with this many items. What might make the meeting more lengthy is if members of the public turn out and are willing to speak to Council in the Public Hearings or during Public Participation.

CITY OF LANGFORD
REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL
Monday, January 16th, 2012 @ 7:00p.m.
Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, 877 Goldstream Ave.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:
a) BYLAW No. 1363
Langford Zoning Bylaw, Amendment No. 325 (3262 and 3264 Happy Valley Road)
b)BYLAW No. 1364
Langford Zoning Bylaw, Amendment No. 326 (2726 Peatt Road)
c) BYLAW No. 1366
Langford Zoning Bylaw, Amendment No. 328 (656, 660, and 664 Strandlund Ave.
d) BYLAW No. 1372
Langford Zoning Bylaw, Amendment No. 330, (Omnibus No. 24 – Amendments to the Rl, R2 and R2A Zones)

TEMPORARY USE PERMIT
109 – 937 Dunford Ave.

DEVELOPMENT VARIANCE PERMITS
a) 2830 and 2832 Sybronden Road
b) Kettle Creek Station

BYLAWS
a) BYLAW No. 1312
Langford Official Community Plan Bylaw; Amendment No. 5 (3008 Amy Road), 2010
(ADOPTION)
b)BYLAW No. 1313
Langford Zoning Bylaw, Amendment No. 295, (3008 Amy Road), 2010
(ADOPTION)
c)BYLAW No. 1363
Langford Zoning Bylaw, Amendment No. 325 (3262 and 3264 Happy Valley Road), 2011
(SECOND AND THIRD READING)
d) BYLAW No. 1364
Langford Zoning Bylaw, Amendment No. 326 (2726 Peatt Road), 2011
(SECOND AND THIRD READING)
e) BYLAW No. 1366
Langford Zoning Bylaw, Amendment No. 328 (656, 660, and 664 Strandlund Ave.), 2011
(SECOND AND THIRD READING)
f) BYLAW No. 1372
Langford Zoning Bylaw, Amendment No. 330, (Omnibus No. 24 – Amendments to the Rl, R2 and R2A Zones), 2011
(SECOND AND THIRD READING)
g) BYLAW No. 1381
Langford Zoning Bylaw, Amendment No. 334, (Omnibus No. 26 – AG1 [Non - A LR] Lands), 2011
(FIRST READING)

NOTICE OF COUNCIL MEETING (IN-CAMERA)

The matters to be dealt with are:
Bylaw Enforcement,
Personnel Matters and
Property Negotiation

Hidden Agendas

Cheryl McLachlan — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:24:05 +0000

If you checked out the City of Langford’s Meeting Calendar for Jan. 2012, found under the City Hall tab along the top of the website then look down the left sidebar, you would think councilors and committee members were taking an extended break. But they are not. If you spend the time to click through each of the committees you will find there are actually three committees meeting this week.

Monday’s Planning & Zoning includes a proposal to delegate to staff Temporary Use Permit Authority for the removal and sale of rock from sites under development. This has been in the past a very controversial topic. This change to staff approving the temporary permits would eliminate the normal process that allows members of the public to speak on the issue with committee members who make recommendations to Council and also eliminate the opportunity to speak to the issue as it goes before Council for consideration. The change makes reference to there being legal requirements that there still be some avenue for public input, however real dialogue is not just the one-way communication of emailing or mailing in a letter. Dialogue that may bring understanding on both sides happens when all the interested parties are in the same room and can discuss and debate the whole issue and respond to each others’ concerns and grievances. Also people speaking at committee or council meetings become part of the legal minutes. Letters to staff may or may not be included in any committee or council minutes since the topic may never be brought up in committee or council, and thus there would be no record of the concerns of the general public.

There is also a proposal to rezone all nonALR lands currently designated AG1 to Rural Residential RR2 reportedly to end the confusion between ALR lands and AG1 lands. Check out this Monday’s 7PM Planning, Zoning & Affordable Housing Committee Meeting Agenda.

On Tues there are two more committee meetings. The Administration & Finance Committee meets at 4:45PM and will consider, among other things on the agenda, the “General Government Five-Year Financial Plan for 2012-2016″ which should include how the announced reduction in DCCs charged to developers at the time of rezoning will effective the City of Langford’s revenues.

The Transportation & Public Works Committee will meet after at 5:30PM and be considering, among other things on the agenda, a pedestrian crosswalk warrant at Bear Mountain Parkway and Millstream Road and the 2012 Engineering Department Capital Operations/Maintenance Budgets.

As a member of the public, the best time to get your input in is at the committee level. The committee members are appointed to committees specifically to discuss and debate the issues brought to them. They are are usually willing to try and understand and then to accommodate the concerns citizens bring forward.

Langford to reduce costs to developers

Steven Hurdle — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:07:17 +0000

At the inaugural meeting of the newly elected Langford Council, Mayor Young charted a new course for the municipality for the coming years.

In the past Langford Council has bragged about how Langford is an expensive municipality to develop in; that Langford provides faster, simpler approvals for projects than other municipalities which saves developers costs, and that in return Langford charges higher development cost charges and asks for more amenities than other municipalities do. This is apparently, and surprisingly, about to change.

Though surprisingly I could find no evidence of this being announced during the campaign, the first initiative of this new Council, according to Mayor Young, will be to reduce those fees that developers and businesses pay. Noting that Langford is near the top end of costs for the 13 local municipalities, and has been “for the last 4 to 5 years,” and noting that Langford has been successful in charging that, Young announced that it was nonetheless time to change.

Langford Council is embarking on a 5 year plan to get those DCCs and other fees down to the lower end of the spectrum of the local 13 municipalities. Not discussed it how this will be accomplished while keeping residential taxes low, as Langford Council has proudly done in part on the backs of developers. He also announced that Avi Friedman would be returning in 1.5 months for something similar to what was done in 2008 during the recession, to help shape the municipality’s new course.

What do you all think of this post-election direction? Sound off in the comments.

Inaugural Meeting of Council

Cheryl McLachlan — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 02:31:13 +0000

CITY OF LANGFORD
INAUGURAL MEETING OF COUNCIL
Monday, December 5th, 2011 at 7:00pm
Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, 877 Goldstream Avenue

PROCLAMATION RESULTS – 2011 ELECTION – Mr. Tom Moore, Chief Election Officer

SWEARING INTO OFFICE  Oath of Office – Oath of Allegiance
i) Councillors
ii) Mayor Young

COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS
a)  Acting Mayor
b)  Capital Regional District Board and Hospital Board
c)  Regional Water Supply Commission and Juan de Fuca Water Distribution Commission
d) West Shore Parks & Recreation Society
e) Greater Victoria Library Board
f)  Family Court Committee
g)  CREST
h)  WestShore Chamber of Commerce
i)   Inter Municipal Committee on Disability Issues
j) Standing Committee Appointments
1.  Administration & Finance Committee – Councillors Sahlstrom & Wade
2.  Parks, Recreation, Culture & Beautification Committee – Councillors Seaton & Wade
3.  Planning, Zoning & Affordable Housing Committee – Councillors Blackwell & Wade
4.  Protective Services Committee – Councillors Szpak & Seaton
5.  Transportation & Public Works Committee – Councillors Sifert & Szpak
k) Agricultural Advisory Committee
l) Court of Revision – Parcel Tax Assessment
m) Board of Variance

RECEPTION TO FOLLOW

Ammonia leak at Westhills Arena

Steven Hurdle — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:03:37 +0000

There are reports coming in of an ammonia leak at the recently built Westhills Arena, near Glen Lake and Langford Lake. Several fire departments, and the Greater Victoria hazard materials (hazmat) team have responded. Residents are apparently being evacuated within about a 1 kilometre radius.

Locals Go ‘Movember’

Cheryl McLachlan — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:42:43 +0000

Movember is already 3/4s over.

What is Movember you ask? Check out this website for all the info. http://ca.movember.com/about/

“During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in Canada and around the world. With their “Mo’s”, these men raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer.”

Do you know anyone fundraising for Movember? They do NOT have to be famous, imfamous or notable – just local, to Langford, the Westshore or even Greater Victoria. (You can search to see if someone is registered by using their name in the “Go Mo” search box in the upper right hand corner of the website http://ca.movember.com/?home)

Here are some local fundraisers I found:

You might know Adam Saab as the farm manager for Sea Bluff Farm. Adam regularly sold organic produce at the Langford Goldstream Station Market on Bryn Maur on Saturdays, the Metchosin Market on Sundays, and the Victoria Downtown Winter Market in Market Square as well as from the Sea Bluff Farmstand. You can check out his pics on his ‘Mo Space’ and donate to raising awareness and funding prostate cancer research there too: http://ca.movember.com/mospace/978224

Langford Future Shop ‘Men of Movember’ Team, with Captain Becky Anderson, on Sunday, November 27th, 7-9pm, will hold their first ‘Men of Movember Fashion Show.’ Staff members volunteered to grow out their moustaches and strut down the runway. For a donation of only $5.00, you can watch and have a chance to win lots of great door prizes. Check out their ‘Mo Space’ (you can donate there as well) at: http://ca.movember.com/mospace/1612752/

2011 Langford election results

Steven Hurdle — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 04:46:08 +0000

The preliminary 2011 election results are already up on the City of Langford website:

Preliminary 2011 Langford Election Results

The spread between the top vote getting, and the bottom vote getting, candidate for Council tightened over 2008. Denise Blackwell topped the polls with 1960 votes, with Sean Horgan bringing up the rear at 1019. The result for Sean Horgan may be a surprise to some, as he appears not to have done any campaigning whatsoever (no signs, did not participate in Shaw TV interviews, did not appear to submit a response to the Times Colonist, was not present for the all-candidates forum, etc.).

For the mayoral race, it was 2319 for Stew Young to 519 for Christopher Johnson.

The lowest-polling winning candidate is Roger Wade with 1640 votes, and the highest-polling losing candidate is Grant McLachlan with 1219 votes.

Dean Sutton, candidate for SD62

Steven Hurdle — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:57:28 +0000

“Name: Dean Sutton (www.deanwsutton.com)

Age: 42

Occupation: Administrator, Province of British Columbia

What municipality do you live in? For how long?

I have lived in Colwood for 10 years and in the Westshore my whole life.

Political experience and/or volunteer experience:

I previously served four years on the Board at WestMont Montessori School in
Metchosin, as the policy director and Vice-Chair, and have held various executive
positions within the local lacrosse association.

I have coached lacrosse in the community for over 25 years, assisted with the Heart
and Stroke Foundation, and have volunteered with various fundraising activities at my
daughter’s schools.

What are the top problems or key concerns in the Sooke School District?

I feel that the top problems or concerns in Sooke School District 62 are:

• Financial management during tough economic times; finding ways to make the
dollars stretch further;
• Further development of an enriched curriculum with equitable class sizes; with an
ever increasing enrolment (over 50% projection in growth); and
• Effective communication with parents and emergency preparedness.

How would you solve them?

By taking a modern approach, I feel that we can empower the people educating,
working and administrating our children.

I would explore options to reduce class sizes and enhance curriculum that would best
benefit the current and future educational needs of the students.
I will listen to our educators, staff and parents to improve; adjust and support their
educational needs, while working within our current economic reality.

Through collaboration with our neighbouring school districts by holding bi-annual joint
meetings which may assist to negate some of the financial burdens Board’s deal with.

What would you do on the school board to improve education outcomes?

I will demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the improvement of the Board and the
District, while providing strong ongoing support for professional development of staff.

This commitment will include learning all of the challenges the district faces and
developing innovative ideas that will assist, compliment and exceed the Board’s School
goals and the new Provincial Education Plan.

As with the change in technology, children are learning and developing differently.
We need to recognize this change and adjust so we can improve and create the best
educational outcomes that we can.

Why do you want to be (or remain) a school trustee?

I want to be a school trustee for two main reasons:
1. to work and represent the community in achieving their needs, wishes and
desires; but mainly because
2. I have two daughters who go to school in the District, and as any parent I want
to make it the best District I can for them.”

Election Day

Steven Hurdle — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 07:01:48 +0000

Please remember today is election day. Polls are open from 8am to 8pm, and are at Ruth King Elementary (South Langford) and Millstream Elementary (North Langford).

Tim Rud, candidate for school trustee (SD62)

Steven Hurdle — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 04:43:31 +0000

Tim Rud, a candidate for school trustee in School District 62, responded to our offer to pass on whatever information the candidates wanted to share with voters.

TIM RUD CANDIDATE FOR SCHOOL TRUSTEE SD 62

I am an at home dad/musician. My family resided in the Glen Lake area for 15 years prior to moving to Colwood 2 years ago.

VOTE FOR ME IF YOU BELIEVE THAT SOME CHANGE IS NECESSARY IN OUR DISTRICT

I believe in fair representation for all school communities within our district

I will advocate increased transparency and public consultation for community altering decisions, especially those involving land use agreements and procedures

I believe in the benefits of a diverse educational palate including arts and heritage studies, technical training and althletic academies.

I will work with the ministry of educations vision for walkable neighbourhood learning centres and modern schools of cultural significance to maximize the economic, social and environmental benefits to our communities.

I will ensure timely updates to the public regarding progress of school construction paying close attention to the sensitivities of communities affected by these transitions.

I will work cooperatively with all educational partners in pursuit of the districts goals for our kids.

I will encourage the district to consider full funding of our crossing guards.

You can vote for up to 4 trustees on your ballot, BUT PLEASE ONLY VOTE FOR THOSE THAT BEST REPRESENT YOU

Candidate materials at all-candidates

insidelangford — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 01:02:32 +0000

This table looks at the handouts candidates made available at the all-candidates forum. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order, within mayoral and council candidates. The total notes how many categories their handout touched on, with higher numbers indicating more informative and/or greener handouts. Most columns should be self-expanatory (eg. recycled paper means the handout was printed on recycled paper, double-sided means the handout used both sides and no “X” in that column means one side was blank, etc.), but if you have any questions please leave them in the comments.

	Recycled Paper	Double-Sided	Contact Info	Website	Endorsements	Info on Voting/Polling Stations	Total:	Notes
MAYOR:
Chris Johnson				X		X	2
Stew Young							0
COUNCIL:
Denise Blackwell		X	X			X	3
Sean Horgan							0	Did not attend
Grant McLachlan	X	X	X	X	X	X	7
Matt Sahlstrom		X					1
Lanny Seaton		X					1
Winnie Sifert							0
Lillian Szpak	?	X	X			X	3 + ?	Paper felt recycled but was not labeled as such
Roger Wade							0

HTML Tables

Shaw TV Langford candidates’ statements

Cheryl McLachlan — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:31:07 +0000

Here are the candidates’ statements (in order of appearance):

Mayor Stew Young (incumbent)
Candidate for Mayor Christopher Andrew Johnson (absent)

Councilor Roger Wade (incumbent)
Councilor Lillian Szpak (incumbent)
Councilor Winnie Sifert (incumbent)
Councilor Lanny Seaton (incumbent)
Grant McLachlan (candidate for Langford Council)
Councilor Denise Blackwell and appointed Rep. to CRD (incumbent)

Councilor Matthew Sahlstrom (incumbent) (absent)
Sean Patrick Horgan (candidate for Langford Council, absent and did not attend All Candidates’ Forum)

Check out local civic election coverage on Shaw TV at:

http://www.globaltvbc.com/Pages/Story.aspx?id=6442515296

Chris Johnson

Steven Hurdle — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 04:55:23 +0000

We invited any of the Langford or School Trustee candidates who wished to do so to submit, well, to submit anything they wanted to share with voters. Chris Johnson, a candidate for mayor, responded:

“One thing I don’t emphasize enough is that my own personal #1 priority (which may or may not be the people of Langford’s priority) is that we not only need to increase local food production, in Langford and everywhere on the island (and beyond for that matter), but that I am working towards creating access for all, so that all are fed. Food and shelter are basic human rights. Housing is a challenge, and I am committed also, within this campaign and in my life outside politics, to creating more opportunities for DIGNIFIED housing, but food is something that we could be doing much, much better at providing access to. I am interested in every aspect of community, but my passion is making sure all if fed.

Whether I win the election or not (big maybe) this is what I have been, and will forever continue to work on. A Langford with me as mayor would be a place where no one goes hungry, no one lacks access to a healthy diet. This is a health issue in a way, and is not typically a municipal issue, some might say, but the truth is, there is a crisis in this country, and we all have to work together, every level of government, families, individuals, organizations, etc. In Langford, aside from protecting ALR land, which few would argue against, we need to look at encouraging backyard family, public food gardens on city land, programming in the schools, incentives for people to farm, create food based businesses, etc. Council can make a resolution to send to the province that food security programs are better funded. There are so many things that can be done. I hear the mayor and incumbents refuse to acknowledge that there are any vexing issues in Langford. Langford may not have the same level of hunger and child poverty as most places, but if these issues are solved in Langford, then please, share your secrets with the rest of the countr. No, it’s everywhere, and the government is failing us.

If the majority of Langford residents don’t share my opinions that food security is a top issue, I’ve got my work cut out for me. I’m not going to jam my opinions and ideas down anyone’s throat. But I will work tirelessly to make myself heard, to get my point across and to address anyone’s disagreements in a respectful manner, in hopes that I convince people of the need for food access. If anything happens in Langford, I want it to be because the residents of Langford what it, or at least understand why it’s happening. That’s part of what I mean by civic engagement. If I feel strongly about something, but I don’t have the people behind me, I will work to either convince people, or I will back off and vote with the people.”

Other candidates are still free to submit something before (or, if they wish, after) election day.

Langford “Urban Suburban” episode airs Wednesday

Steven Hurdle — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:55:23 +0000

Back in September it was announced that an epside of the television show “Urban Suburban” would feature a showdown between Victoria and Langford for a couple trying to decide where to live. The episode in question airs Wednesday (October 25th) three times: noon, 7 PM, and 10 PM. It will air again on Sunday (October 30th).

“Urban Suburban” pits a brother and sister team of real estate agents, with the brother trying to convince a couple to purchase an urban home and the sister trying to convince them to purchase a suburban home. This episode has the Burnside/Mayfair area of Victoria (urban) vs. suburban properties in Langford, with the couple ultimately choosing one over the other as offering the best quality of life for their family (considering elements such as proximity to entertainment, commute, and more). Urban Suburban airs on HGTV (channel 109 and 231 on Shaw cable, other channels on other TV providers).