In a bold move that signals a significant shift in municipal priorities, the City of Langford has launched an ambitious initiative to develop its first comprehensive Arts and Culture Plan. This week, city officials unveiled a multi-phase consultation process designed to gather public input on how arts and cultural programming should evolve in one of British Columbia’s fastest-growing communities.
“Langford has transformed dramatically over the past decade, and our cultural infrastructure needs to catch up with our population growth,” explains Councillor Kimberley Guiry, who spearheaded the initiative. “We’re at a pivotal moment where we can intentionally shape the cultural identity of our city for generations to come.”
The consultation process, which begins immediately, includes online surveys, community workshops, and targeted outreach to local artists, cultural organizations, and Indigenous communities. City planners emphasize that community engagement is essential to creating a plan that authentically reflects Langford’s diverse population and emerging identity.
Demographic shifts in Langford have created both challenges and opportunities for cultural development. Once primarily a bedroom community, the municipality has seen its population surge by nearly 32% between 2016 and 2021, according to Statistics Canada data. This growth has brought increased diversity and demand for cultural programming that better reflects the changing face of the community.
“What we’ve heard consistently from residents is that they want more than just housing and retail development,” notes Darren Kiedyk, Langford’s Chief Administrative Officer. “They’re seeking community spaces where culture can thrive—whether that’s public art, performance venues, or cultural programming that brings people together.”
The initiative comes as neighboring municipalities like Victoria and Saanich have already established robust cultural plans and dedicated significant resources to arts infrastructure. The economic impact of arts investment has been well-documented across Canadian municipalities, with cultural tourism and creative industries generating substantial returns on public investment.
Indigenous consultation forms a critical component of the planning process. The city has committed to meaningful engagement with local First Nations to ensure that Langford’s cultural future acknowledges and honors the traditional territories on which it stands.
“This isn’t just about adding a few murals or sculptures,” explains cultural planning consultant Eleanor Thompson, who has been retained to guide the process. “We’re looking at how arts and culture can be woven into the fabric of everyday life in Langford—from neighborhood design to educational opportunities to economic development.”
The consultation phase will run through December, with a draft plan expected to be presented to City Council by March 2024. Implementation could begin as early as next summer, potentially transforming how residents experience public spaces throughout the city.
For a community that has often prioritized rapid development and infrastructure growth, this cultural planning initiative represents a significant evolution in municipal priorities. The question that remains is whether Langford can successfully balance its continuing growth with the cultural amenities that transform urban spaces from merely functional to truly vibrant communities where people feel a sense of belonging and identity.
