The additional one-acre of parkland in downtown Langford will provide Langford residents with more greenspace and creates another area for public markets and events according to Mayor Stew Young
LANGFORD – The City of Langford, in partnership with multiple stakeholders, announced the acquisition of an additional 1.35 acres of land to expand Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Langford. The above noted land located at 679 Goldstream Avenue, 2815 Aldwynd Road and 678/680 Fairway Avenue were previously owned by the Masonic Lodge.
The City purchased the land with funds from Parks development cost charges, funded by development, at no cost to the Langford taxpayer. This expansion will double the size of the existing Park and will protect it as greenspace in perpetuity for Langford residents. The Park expansion will be completed by the end of 2024, with the goal of it being complete in time for the annual holiday light-up.
“The additional one-acre of parkland in downtown Langford will provide Langford residents with more greenspace and creates another area for public markets and events. We are grateful to the developers who have been investing in Langford as it allows us to purchase this land at no cost to the taxpayer,” said Langford Mayor, Stew Young. “The expansion of Veterans Memorial Park will give community organizations such as the Langford Legion a place to hold notable events like Remembrance Day. This project is another example of Council’s commitment to adding more greenspace in Langford for all to enjoy.”
“On behalf of the executive and all the members of our Langford Legion, Branch 91, I want to thank Mayor Young and Council for their consideration and foresight with the purchase of this property to enlarge Veterans Memorial Park. This will help in the future with Remembrance Day ceremonies which have outgrown the existing space. To have expanded greenspace in our downtown core, at this incredibly special location, will mean so much for all Veterans and Langford residents, today and in the future.” said Norm Scott, President of the Langford Legion.
The Park expansion will include the closure of Aldwynd Road to Goldstream Avenue once the work begins in 2023, which has been in the City’s ultimate road network planning for over ten years. Only construction traffic may be permitted through Aldwynd Road access to Goldstream Avenue. The road closure will complete the connection and integration of the existing portion of Park seamlessly with the expanded area. The City has plans to ultimately install sidewalk along one side of Fairway Avenue to provide safe pedestrian access to and from the Park.
The land purchase will protect the large sequoia tree located next to the existing Lodge and will continue to be the focus of the annual holiday light-up and community celebration. In addition to the sequoia, all mature trees on-site will be retained and incorporated into the new park design. Interestingly, the iconic sequoia tree was planted by two Langford youth when the Lodge Hall was first constructed in the 1950’s, by a volunteer group of Masons.
“The Goldstream Masonic Hall Association and its associated Goldstream Masonic Lodge is pleased to announce it has agreed to sell its Lodge Hall and land located at 679 Goldstream Avenue, along with three adjacent lots to the City of Langford. This will allow the City to expand Veterans Memorial Park for the enjoyment of the entire community. The Association wants to thank the citizens of Langford, and the City administration for working on this collaborative project, and for their support over the past 75+ years. We look forward to continuing to contribute to the benefit of this great community.” said Aaron Weisgerber, President, Goldstream Masonic Lodge.
The Masons will relocate to Bryn Maur Road which will feature a Masonic Lodge room, dining, and meeting hall on the second floor of the building, available for rent by the public. In addition to the event space, there will be commercial space for lease on the ground floor. Construction on the new building will commence in the coming months.
A feature of the expanded Park is a labyrinth, partially funded by the Rotary Club of the West Shore who has committed $10,000 towards the project. The labyrinth will provide residents a peaceful place for reflection, meditation and supports positive mental health. The labyrinth will support members of the community navigating the negative impacts of the pandemic as well as veterans, first responders and front-line workers.
The Rotary Club of the West Shore welcomes anyone wishing to donate to the project to contact the Rotary at westshorerotarytreasurer@gmail.com.
