Tuesday September 16, 2026 | LANGFORD, BC [Posted at 11:05 pm | Updated September 20 & 22, 2025]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
After taking part in the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the late former Premier John Horgan today at the new Royal Roads University – John Horgan Campus, Royal Roads University (RRU) President Philip Steenkamp said that was his favourite part of today’s celebration to officially open the new campus.
Steenkamp said that unveiling the plaque was his favourite part of the event, feeling Horgan there in spirit.
The unveiling was part of an official event today at the new campus at 798 Goldstream Avenue in the downtown heart of Langford. About 300 people attended, gathered on the back lawn of the brand new campus that welcomed its first batch of students this month.
Whether it’s “John from Langford” or the tale about John Horgan saying to Steenkamp that RRU needed to ‘get out of the castle and into the community’, there seems to have been a longstanding rapport between the man who served for 18 years as the MLA in the west shore region (and as BC Premier for five years) and the campus that — until Steenkamp came along — still had barbed wire along the long rock wall that faced onto Sooke Road.
In the fall of 2023 — then as Canada’s Ambassador to Germany — Horgan formed a formal bond with Royal Roads University with his appointment as a Royal Roads University Senior Fellow in Leadership Studies so he could mentor leadership students remotely.
“We’re delighted to have such an accomplished leader join us to share his knowledge and help with the important work of future-proofing our students so that they can tackle the challenges facing our world,” said Philip Steenkamp, President and Vice-Chancellor of Royal Roads University back in November 2023.
Speeches, ribbon cutting, plaque unveiling:
Today in enjoyably warm September weather under clear bright skies, John Horgan’s contributions to education in British Columbia and the west shore were honoured through speeches, a ribbon (cedar bough) cutting, and the plaque unveiling.
But probably the honour was most notably seen in the wide range of attendees, strong in number.
Memorial plaque:
The memorial plaque borrows from a prominent RRU marketing colour – a bright sky blue. Horgan often said his favourite colour was blue.
There is no evidence in the plaque of the NDP-orange of Horgan’s long-time political base but notably the underside of the overhang at the main entrance to the campus building is bright orange, sheltering people from rain and sun as they enter the building.
Today John’s widow Ellie Horgan wore splashes of teal, turquoise and blue in a loose-fitting smock with some sparkle.
Wording on the plaque:
Wording on the commemorative plaque (written by RRU staff, created in partnership and approved by the Horgan family), reads as follows:
John from Langford
Courageous leader and friend
“John Horgan proudly called himself “John from Langford”. Though he may have been humbled by the idea of a plaque in his honour — at the heart of his hometown — as a testament to a life dedicated to building community.
“After losing his father, John was raised by a strong mother and supported by a caring community. He credited much of his success to those who believed in him when he needed it most, and that is what convinced him to enter public life. He was repaying a debt of gratitude.
“He worked multiple jobs to put himself through university, where he met his beloved wife, Ellie. Together they raised two sons, Nate and Evan.
“In 2005, John was elected as a member of the legislative assembly. In 2014, he became leader of the BC NDP, and in 2017, the Premier.
“At the time of his passing at age 65, John was serving as Canada’s ambassador to Germany and as the inaugural Senior Fellow in Leadership Studies of Royal Roads University. His leadership, support for this campus and belief in the power of education are part of why you are standing here today.
“Whatever path you’re on today, you honour his legacy when you pursue it with gratitude, courage, and purpose.
“RRU Langford, John Horgan Campus”
“In Memory of John Horgan (1959-2024)”
“Premier of British Columbia 2017-2022”
A quote attributed to John Horgan:
The plaque also says:
“Leadership is not about the title. It’s about showing up, listening, and doing the work — even when it’s hard.” ~ John Horgan
Who was there:
A wide range of community leaders attended today’s special unveiling of the plaque – as a final step in opening the campus.
The new campus was in planning and development officially for five years but the work to make it happen stretches far back to 2008 in terms of coordination between Royal Roads University and the SD62 Sooke School Board, eventually coordinating with the University of Victoria and Camosun College as well as the Justice Institute of BC.
This spring there was a gathering on campus to officially name the campus in John Horgan’s memory and in August there was a preview tour.
Representatives were there from all four post-secondary institutes that operate out of RRU Langford: Royal Roads University (which also has a main campus in Colwood), University of Victoria (their main campus is in Saanich), Camosun College (two main campuses in Saanich — Lansdowne and Interurban), and the Justice Institute of BC.
Royal Roads University Board Chair and Governor Nelson Chan attended, posting later in social media: “I’m proud to have witnessed the journey from vision to reality, and excited for the students, families, and communities who will benefit here. Congratulations to everyone who made this possible.”
The City of Langford was proudly represented by Mayor Scott Goodmanson and many Langford council members (including Kimberley Guiry, Lillian Szpak, and Mary Wagner), senior Langford staff (including CAO Darren Kiedyk and Deputy CAO Braden Hutchins), and Langford Fire Chief Chris Aubrey.
SD62 school board chair Amanda Dowhy and SD62 trustee Cendra Beaton attended, as did and former SD62 board trustee Neil Poirier. SD62 sernior executives there today included Superintendent Paul Block and Secretary-Treasurer Brian Jonker.
Also attending was former SD62 Superintendent Scott Stinson who during 2018-2022 was involved in some key years of planning how high school students could benefit at the new campus.
Juan de Fuca-Malahat MLA Dana Lajeunesse attended, who in the 2024 election inherited much of the NDP political landscape west of Langford that John Horgan nurtured over a long political career.
Dave Saunders — a former mayor of Colwood, attended the event.
Shannon Russell attended. She was a former right-hand to John Horgan in his constituency office and then in his premier’s office.
Parmar as emcee:
Emcee for today’s formal event at the podium was Langford-Highlands MLA Ravi Parmar (who serves as Minister of Forests), who introduced Indigenous leaders, Premier David Eby and Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson to speak at the podium.
“This doesn’t happen overnight. This is a unique first of its kind partnership that brings all these institutions together,” said Minister Parmar who recalled Horgan as a friend and mentor in politics, and highlighting his long involvement with the fruition of the campus during his years as SD62 board chair.
Parmar acknowledged the presidents of the three post-secondary institutions that now carry the new campus forward: Philip Steenkamp (RRU), Rubina Thomas (University of Victoria), Lane Trotter (Camosun College), and Len Goerke (Justice Institute of BC).
Parmar said that Premier Eby is “carrying on the incredible legacy that Horgan brought not only in representing Langford in the case of making incredible investments here in schools, but also the incredible work he’s doing across British Columbia”.
Premier Eby’s remarks:
Premier David Eby — who followed in Horgan’s footsteps as BC’s premier in November 2022, said “this day, September 16, is a significant day for students”.
“This day celebrates the naming of this incredible campus — John Horgan Campus — what an incredible man who marked this province forever in such positive ways,” said Premier Eby.
“It was just a few years ago that John stood here as Premier in an empty parking lot,” said Eby, noting the transformation of the site to something that John Horgan had envisioned as a post-secondary institution close to home for students in the west shore.
Not having to leave home to travel afar for post-secondary (whether out of town or take a long in-town commute) — “to get the skills that they need”, said Eby, has been the key momentum for the project from day one.
Eby says the campus “reflects the growth and vitality of this region with opportunities for people of all ages to upscale and be ready for the challenges of the future”.
“Education gives you the ability to make the choice about how you are going to live your life,” is a quote that Eby attributed to John Horgan today.
Eby half-joked, half-predicted, that the new campus would soon have a Star Trek club. Horgan was a die-hard Trekkie.
People who study at Royal Roads University Langford – John Horgan Campus will help continue to build the province “into what I believe will be the engine of Canada’s new economy,” said Eby.
“It’s another example of how the people, resources, and the opportunities that we’re creating here in the west are going to lift up the entire country at a time of remarkable challenge but also a time of remarkable opportunity,” the premier said at the campus opening today.
Eby thanked Langford Mayor Goodmanson for his leadership on the progress made in the last phase of the project, and all the post-secondary leaders who worked together to deliver multiple services in a single building.
Lanford Mayor Goodmanson:
Goodmanson thanked Premier Eby for attending and called the opening of the new campus “a momentous occasion”.
“This campus stands as a living tribute to our former premier and Langford MLA John Horgan,: said Goodmanson.
Goodmanson — who in the October 2022 municipal election cycle inherited a fast-growing city built in many ways in tandem by the late John Horgan and former long-time Langford Mayor Stew Young.
“His legacy is woven into the very fabric of our city. Through his unwavering commitment to education, equity and opportunity John inspired a generation that helped shape a brighter future for all British Columbians,” said Goodmanson.
“Today that vision comes to life,” said Langford’s mayor. He called the campus “a beacon of opportunity located in the heart of our incredible city”.
“It represents the dreams of local youth who for the first time can pursue higher education and skills training right here in their home town,” said Scott Goodmanson. “No longer must they leave their community to chase aspirations. Those aspirations begin here in Langford.”
“This campus is one of the most significant campus investments in the city’s history. one that is the embodiment of council’s deep commitment to education, innovation, and community development,” said Goodmanson.
That includes significant infrastructure upgrades and financial support for the West Shore Innovation Hub and the Langford Education Fund as part of laying the foundation for a thriving ecosystem for changemakers, entrepreneurs and future leaders.
Core downtown location:
Parmar said the new campus would not have been possible without the leadership of Langford’s former mayor Stew Young. The building is at the heart of the city, said Parmar, noting it was the former site of the Old Lady of Rosary Roman Catholic Church (which relocated into the newer area of the Westhills neighbourhood).
The new campus is located right across the street from Horgan’s former long-ago constituency office… one can imagine the visionary Horgan having looked across the street at the prime real estate at Goldstream Avenue and Peatt Road and setting his sights on transforming the city block into a post-secondary campus.
Campus size and scope:
There are about 450 students at the new RRU Langford campus this fall. That spans students in courses offered by RRU, UVic, Camosun, JIBC and SD62 with full-time and part-time, blended and on-campus programming.
“The collaboration between institutions allows for a vibrant and diverse student community, and a transformative addition to downtown Langford,” says a spokesperson for RRU.
The number of students at full capacity (by 2035-36) is expected to be about 1,300 full-time students.
The five-storey building itself is 95,841 sq ft in size (8,904 sq m).
Campus funding:
Funding for the new RRU Langford campus has been estimated by the Province as $106 million. Funding was a combination of contributions from the provincial government, Royal Roads University, the University of Victoria and Camosun College.
Additional funding support was provided by the City of Langford.
The Sooke School District (SD62) which has schools in Langford, Colwood, Sooke, Metchosin and Port Renfrew contributed considerable planning and meeting resources over at least 15 years.
===== ABOUT THE WRITER:
Mary P Brooke built her news publishing business in the west shore region during the Horgan political years (MapleLine Magazine, then Sooke Voice News, West Shore Voice News and now Island Social Trends). In active daily journalism she saw the work of Horgan as the MLA up close in community onward from 2008, and covered the west shore SD62 school board and committee meetings intensively during 2014-2022. In 2020 Mary P Brooke started covering provincial news daily (remotely during the pandemic) and since then has covered provincial and national news including elections. In 2025 Ms Brooke was awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal for her commitment to community through journalism.
===== RELATED:
- Royal Roads University Langford campus named after the late John Horgan (May 24, 2025)
- Pacific Economic Development Canada issues $677,800 to Royal Roads (March 18, 2025)
- Horgan state memorial: a complex celebration for a man with simple goals (December 15, 2024)
- Langford Mayor Goodmanson remembers John Horgan (November 14, 2024)
- Former BC Premier John Horgan has passed away (November 12, 2024)
- UVic Aerospace Research Centre toured by Ambassador Horgan (January 8, 2024)
- Horgan keeps one foot in the west shore (November 23, 2023)
- Foundational day for Royal Roads West Shore campus (February 1, 2023)
- Transition from Horgan to Eby (October 26, 2022)
- Post-secondary education expanding for students on the Westshore (August 3, 2022)
- Another new school to be built in west-shore SD62 (June 14, 2022)
- New elementary and middle schools announced for west Langford, plus land for a new high school (June 17, 2019)
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