Thursday January 15, 2026 | LANGFORD, BC [Posted at 10:58 am]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
City of Langford Council endorsed the West Shore RCMP Facility Expansion Validation Report at their January 12, 2026 Council meeting.
Following a detailed presentation by the lead Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) Advisor and two of the IPD team members, Council directed staff to prepare the necessary contracts to move forward with the construction of the project.
This marks the next step following Council’s December 2025 approval of the funding mechanism for the project.
But the next day, Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson’s office issued a statement of concern about the City of Colwood not fully signing on to the project, going so far as to say that Colwood “misunderstands”.
“The most glaring example is that they questioned the lack of a traditional project manager, however, the central premise of the IPD process is management through a collaborative project management team that has the collective responsibility for the total project results,” stated the City of Langford on January 13.
“This is a foundational concept in IPD, so that consultants and contractors are all focused on solving problems together and have mutual accountability to the project and Owners as compared to more traditional models where blame, claims, and litigation can be the focus. Moreover, the IPD process has been socialized across Canada with over 130 projects to date that have used the IPD process,” says Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson.
“It’s time to take the next step and actually build this project,” says City of Langford Councillor Mary Wagner, who took this stance during the January 12 Langford council meeting.
Colwood’s position:
A news release from the City of Colwood was received toward day’s-end on January 14, 2026 stated that Colwood contributes about 26% of the total project cost that is estimated at $87.5 million.
The City of Colwood says they are exercising due diligence, not opposition. Noting that the project is a “complex, multi-decade financial commitment”, Colwood Council is seeking independent expert advice and awaiting the final Validation Report before making an irreversible decision to proceed.
“The City of Colwood reaffirms its unwavering support for the West Shore RCMP and the critical role they play in keeping our community safe.”
“Colwood remains a committed partner in planning for a modern, purpose-built detachment that will support RCMP operations, officer safety, and community protection for the next generation.”
Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi says: “Our police officers serve our community with dedication and professionalism every single day. They deserve facilities that support their important work.”
“At the same time, Colwood Council has a responsibility to ensure we are making informed, prudent financial decisions on behalf of the taxpayers we serve. These two commitments are not in conflict—they are both essential to good governance,” says Kobayashi.
Colwood is awaiting independent expert advice and awaiting the final Validation Report.
“This careful, methodical approach does not signal opposition to the project, nor to the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model itself,” says the City of Colwood, saying their approach reflects:
- A commitment to protecting taxpayers: Verifying that the proposed scope, risk profile, construction methodology, and lifecycle costs represent best value for Colwood residents.
- A need for complete information: Reviewing the final Validation Report before granting formal consent to move forward.
- Fulfilling our governance obligation: Safeguarding Colwood taxpayers.
See full City of Colwood news release.
Three owners:
The Owners of the RCMP detachment are: City of Langford, City of Colwood, and Town of View Royal.
Those three west shore municipalities have engaged in an IPD contract model and project methodology, which was unanimously approved by each member of the Owners Group in early 2023.
The Town of View Royal on their website says they are working with Langford and Colwood to plan for the expansion of the West Shore RCMP facility.
“The project aims to address space and operational needs of the RCMP to accommodate 25 years of growth in the West Shore. At its December 2, 2025 meeting, View Royal Council gave consent for the CRD to adopt two bylaws necessary to create a sub-regional service and authorize borrowing for the proposed expansion,” states the Town of View Royal.
As municipalities grow in terms of population and complexity of communities and services, usually the demand on policing increases (as well as on firefighting and emergency services).
The population of Langford is expected to reach about 100,000 by 2050 due to increased housing supply. The population of Colwood is also growing rapidly due to significant housing development. View Royal’s population growth is not as robust but seems keen to maintain policing services support.
Two other municipalities are policed by the West Shore RCMP — the District of Highlands and the District of Metchosin (both of which are relatively rural and do not have significant population growth), as well as two First Nations — Esquimalt and Songhees.
CRD loan-backing:
The Capital Regional District (CRD) has backed a loan for the three municipalities to develop the new West Shore RCMP building. The loan authorization permits up to $103 million in borrowing for construction.
Langford forges ahead:
The City of Langford in their news release today says that Langford Council stands behind its decision to move ahead with what they describe as an important project.
Langford urges Colwood Council “to show leadership in moving forward in a timely manner” with their secondary review process.
“It is critical that the project moves ahead before members of the IPD team are lost to other projects and before costly delays are incurred,” says Langford. “This project should not be derailed because of misunderstandings and a lack of open communication,” the City of Langford stated today.
Colwood says it values its partnerships with Langford, View Royal, the Capital Regional District and the RCMP.
“The City remains committed to constructive collaboration and open dialogue as all parties work toward an outcome that delivers a modern, resilient detachment while representing sound financial decision-making for each community,” says the City of Colwood in their January 14, 2026 news release.
Seminar option:
In the spirit of collaboration, the City of Langford is willing to host a seminar facilitated by the lead IPD Delivery Advisor for Colwood Council so everyone better understands the IPD process.
===== LINKS:
- To watch the video of the January 12, 2026, City of Langford Council meeting, see Langford.ca/Meetings.
- To learn more about the project including previous community updates through media releases visit: Langford.ca/RCMP
- See the City of Colwood January 14, 2026 news release Colwood Balances Community Safety and Fiscal Responsibility on West Shore RCMP Detachment Expansion
===== RELATED:
- Langford & View Royal endorse West Shore RCMP facility expansion while Colwood drags its heels (January 13, 2026)
- Langford hosts consultant-led info session on policing & public safety (December 12, 2025)
- Three municipalities get CRD loan to upgrade West Shore RCMP building (November 27, 2025)
- West Shore RCMP announces new Officer in Charge (November 22, 2025)
- NEWS SECTIONS: LANGFORD | COLWOOD | WEST SHORE RCMP