Langford, British Columbia
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City of Langford | |
Motto: Golden in setting, determined in spirit | |
Location of Langford in British Columbia | |
Coordinates: | |
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Country | Canada |
Province | British Columbia |
Region | Vancouver Island |
Regional district | Capital |
Founded | 1851 |
Incorporated | December 8th, 1992 |
Government | |
- Governing body | Langford City Council |
- Mayor | Stew Young |
Area | |
- Total | 39.55 km² (15.3 sq mi) |
Elevation | 76 m (249 ft) |
Population (2006) | |
- Total | 22,459 |
Time zone | PST (UTC-8) |
Highways | 1, 14 |
Waterways | Saanich Inlet |
Website: City of Langford |
Langford is a city of 22,459 residents on southern Vancouver Island, within the province of British Columbia, Canada. It is considered one of Greater Victoria's Western Communities.
Contents |
[edit] History
Langford was named after Captain Edward Langford, who established a Hudson's Bay Company farm in the area in 1851. Langford was incorporated as a district municipality in December 1992. Prior to incorporation Langford's reputation suffered because of some unattractive development; it was sneered at and referred to by some as a "dogpatch".During the mid to late 80's the community had one of the highest residential break and enter rates in Canada, and it was not uncommon to see groups of up to 100 delinquents and thugs hanging out in front of convenience stores and in front of the local arcade, selling dope and stolen property, and getting into fistfights. Following incorporation, the city has made a concerted effort at attracting development and undertaking civic improvements, including the landscaping of the central business centre and the construction of new roads and pathways. A notable accomplishment following the city's embrace of rapid-fire growth is the development of the Bear Mountain golf resort.
[edit] Things to see and do
A new park was also built in remembrance of Canadian war veterans. It can be found on the southeast corner of the city's main traffic intersection: Veterans Memorial Parkway and Goldstream Avenue. Although the pace of development and some planning decisions (particularly "big-box" retail developments) have attracted criticism, the community continues to grow rapidly. It is the largest municipality in the Western Communities, and third-largest in the Capital Regional District after Saanich and Victoria. It serves as the commercial hub for the Western Communities. Things to do in Langford include shopping at Westshore Town Centre (formerly Canwest Mall) and taking in some county-fair style amusement and food at Luxton Fair, which takes place in mid-September at the local fairgrounds. Visitors can also participate in go-karting and mini-golfing, and watch stock-car racing, at Western Speedway.One of Canada seacadet corp is HMCS Beaconhill on Dunford Rd
[edit] Physical features
Notable physical features of Langford include the three prominent lakes (Langford Lake, Glen Lake and Florence Lake) and the Humpback reservoir, several peaks such as Mount Finlayson and Mount Wells, and the famous Goldstream Provincial Park. The Malahat drive, part of the Trans-Canada Highway, begins in Langford, and the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and the E and N Railway go through the city. Lots of mountains.
[edit] Langford neighbourhoods
- Bear Mountain
- Florence Lake
- Glen Lake
- Goldstream
- Happy Valley
- Luxton
- Millstream
- Ravenwood
- Thetis Heights
[edit] Famous people
- Clayton Groenendy, the first NASCAR driver hailing from Vancouver Island.
- Len Barrie
- Josh Magorium, a professional soccer player and active member of the Canadian men's national soccer team.
- Stuart Young, Mayor
[edit] Twin Cities
- Liverpool ,England
- Real Madrid, Spain
- Freetown, Sierra leone
[edit] Education
Langford is a part of the School District 62 Sooke.It is home to the areas largest high school Belmont Also here is Lighthouse Christian Academy which is K to 10
[edit] Notable features
Langford is directly connected to its neighbour Colwood. Without being a native, it is difficult to tell the two cities apart (especially due to the lack of signage alerting motorists or pedestrians to the cities' boundaries). The current city council has recently enjoyed praise regarding the upkeep and tidiness of the central business district.Winner of Provincial blooming award in 2007 Langford council has also set up a programme for affordable housing. Every year in mid-December, Langford hosts the annual fire truck parade which features decorated fire trucks from around the province. Most recently, Langford has plans to build the first Canadian community based on the LEED environmental standard.
[edit] External links
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