Friday, November 23 ~ LANGFORD.
by Mary P Brooke ~ West Shore Voice News
At the official announcement about Phase 2 of the affordable housing property at 616 Goldstream Avenue in Langford today November 23, Langford Mayor Stew Young recapped the importance of affordability in his west shore city.
The Phase 2 announcement today was about 80 more rental units and 36 more affordable child-care spaces coming to the central Langford location. Construction is to begin before year-end.
The Phase 1 building of Oak Park is now open, a 73-unit building owned by Pacifica Housing. Residents moved in from the 12 townhomes on the property that will be demolished to make a fresh start with the Phase 2 new construction.
In his remarks to VIPs – including Premier John Horgan (MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca), tenants of the new building, and media, Mayor Young said that it’s good to see more improvements for the people of Langford “as we continue on the legacy of providing affordability”.
He recalled his first speech as mayor in 1992 when there was 20% unemployment, saying at that time that Langford needed jobs and affordable housing.
“It’s all part of what we’re trying to do out here in the city. Making a better life for people,” Young told the crowd outdoors that dealt with sporadic rainfall.
“It’s about making sure your community builds a range of opportunities for all different levels of housing and affordable home ownership. This is a stepping stone for everybody. It’s a leg up for families in our community,” the mayor said.
Stew Young commended Premier Horgan and the BC government: “You’re on the right path for providing affordable housing in our community. It’s important that all of us work together, to make things better for people around you.”
He is proud of how Langford comes up with new ideas and new innovative ways to cut red tape and bureaucracy. It about including recreation so that people can “live, work and play” in their community. “It’s not just about moving here, but things you can do out here with your family,” Young said, easily promoting the new professional soccer team Pacific FC that is getting established in the west shore. “We’ll have the stadium built in three months,” he pitched to Premier John Horgan.
“The health and strength of community is based on making it affordable and a great place for families to live, work and play,” said Young. “In Langford we’re looking forward to a great future and a great relationship with the provincial government over the next three or four years building, more affordable housing for families in need.”
He commended the province for its affordable housing initiatives.