SEASON'S GREETINGS

It was nice to see so many people come out for the annual Langford Christmas Light Up and the Island Equipment Owners Association Big Truck Parade. It's a great family event and everyone enjoyed the free hot dogs and hot chocolate and a chance to exchange Christmas greetings with their neighbours. Compared to last year, our community doubled the donations in cash and food items to the Goldstream Food Bank, which can really use the help at this time of the year. The volunteers deserve a lot of credit for making the event such a success.

On behalf of Langford Council and City staff, I would like to wish  a safe and happy holiday season.
There's a lot of excitement in store for Langford in 2015, and I hope the coming year is filled with the best of everything for everyone.

LEST WE FORGET

It was very gratifying to see the largest crowd ever at Veterans Memorial Park paying tribute to our Veterans on November 11. It's good to see so many people in our community of all different ages come out to acknowledge those brave men and women who paid the ultimate price so we have the freedom, prosperity and quality of life here in Canada that we enjoy today. We should never forget those who gave their lives in defense of this country, and those who serve today to keep us safe.

RUGBY RULES IN LANGFORD

RUGBY RULES IN LANGFORD

There's a lot of excitement in the community and great crowds turning out for the IRB Americas Rugby Challenge at  City Centre Park. This is the third year in a row that Langford has hosted the event, and a major reason why we added more seating to Westhills Stadium, thanks in part to a grant from the Federal Government.

It takes world-class facilities to make events like this possible, and I'm proud of what Council has accomplished with the commitment to provide the best in recreation for people of all ages. I hope you come out to the games  will join us in cheering for Canada.

            Keep The Kids Cool This Summer

The new spray parks at Langford Lake Beach Park and Glen lake Beach Park will provide more fresh air, fun and exercise for families during the summer months. We have also upgraded the spray park at City Centre Park, and will complete another at Veterans Memorial Park later this summer. That’s in addition to the one we added at Centennial Park last year, and is another example of Council’s commitment to providing the best recreational opportunities for our residents. I hope you take the time to check out the new spray parks with the kids, and a happy safe summer to everyone.

Rugby Canada Women Rule

We should all be very proud of our Rugby Canada Women's 15 team for their win over the USA in the Can-Am Rugby Series. Despite the rain, the game on April 19 at Westhills Stadium featured great play by both teams, and  a loud, enthusiastic crowd cheering on the home side to a 14-10 victory.
On behalf of Langford Council and our residents, congratulations, ladies, on a fantastic effort. You have made a tremendous impression on our community and are an inspiration for young athletes everywhere.

Funding Assistance Appreciated

The Federal Government, and North Vancouver Island MP John Duncan in particular, deserve a lot of credit for stepping up to the plate with $232,500 in funding through a Western Economic Diversity Canada grant for additional seating at Westhills Stadium. The Americas Rugby Championship tournaments in 2012 and 2013 both sold out, so the additional seating will be a well utilized
 As we host more tournaments and events in the future. The Federal Government partnered with the City of Langford and the Provincial Government for many of the improvements at City Centre Park including Westhills Arena and Langford Lanes, and Langford Council appreciates their support in helping us build a better community with the best of recreational opportunities for people of all ages.

RED TAPE REDUCTION
Winning the 2014 Golden Scissors Award from the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses is another example of Langford Council's efforts to streamline processes to reduce red tape for businesses and utilize staff time more efficiently. It's rewarding to be acknowledged on a national level for our decision to eliminate the obligation to renew business licenses every year, and staff and Council will continue to look for ways to save money and be more efficient.


HELP US DECIDE ON THE FUTURE
In 2008 Langford held an open house to give our residents the opportunity to tell us what they wanted to see in terms of recreation and improvements to our community. Council and City staff worked hard to bring about the changes our residents requested, many of them completed at City Centre Park.
 They include building Langford Lanes, Westhills Arena, two new all-weather turf stadiums, a Splash Park and Play Zone for kids, more cycling lanes, and upgrades to our lakes and parks. And work has started on a multi-use aquatic centre in a partnership with the YMCA/YWCA and Westhills.
 On Saturday, March, 29, we're hosting another open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Eagle Ridge Community Centre to once again hear what Langford residents want to see.I hope Langford residents will come out and tell us what they would like to see so together, we can build the best community for people of all ages.