Monday June 16, 2025 | LANGFORD, BC [Posted at 11:30 am | Updated June 17, 2025]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Many people in Langford and across the province of BC do not have a family doctor.
While health-care is a provincial responsibility, the strain on people has reached the level of municipal political decision-making.
“While the City of Langford recognizes that the delivery of healthcare is a provincial responsibility, it is taking bold and proactive steps to be part of the solution,” it was stated by the City today as they announced a clinic on Bryn Maur Road in downtown Langford — to be open in 2026.
“After over a year of focused efforts, the City of Langford is proud to announce a significant stride forward in addressing the critical shortage of family doctors in the West Shore,” it was stated by the City today.
“The work is not over,” says the mayor. “It’s not enough, we still need more doctors, more clinics in the area,” said Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson.
“This initiative is a strong example of how local governments can step up and collaborate to meet urgent needs in our communities,” said Langford city councillor Keith Yacucha about the $1.7 million commitment by the municipality.
The funding will help cover equipment and tenant improvements.
Two approaches in the west shore:
Currently, Langford has no ambitions yet to follow in the City of Colwood’s footsteps and open its own municipally-owned-and-operated medical clinic (a setup that presents some questions and challenges).
Only Colwood residents are attached at the Colwood clinic.
At the clinic in Langford apparently the patient roster will be built from the BC Health Connect Registry.
City funding:
At their June 10, 202 in-camera council meeting, Langford Council unanimously committed to funding the costs of tenant improvements, furniture, fixtures, and medical equipment to establish a new medical clinic in downtown Langford.
The City, in collaboration with the South Island Primary Care Society and the Freemasons of Langford, have negotiated a long-term partnership for commercial space in the new Westshore Masonic Centre on Bryn Maur Road in downtown Langford.
In addition to funding up to $1.7 million for tenant improvements, equipment, furniture, and fixtures, the City has offered temporary accommodations for doctors, the consideration of a Permissive Tax Exemption, and marketing assistance for ongoing doctor recruitment.
In the spirit of partnership and collaboration, Langford has committed immediate funding to move this critical project forward, because residents cannot wait any longer for a doctor. The City appreciates the support from the West Shore Charity Golf Tournament, community members, and local businesses. Their contributions helped the South Island Primary Care Society secure partial funds required for recruiting doctors for the new clinic.
Additional fundraising efforts are underway: learn more or donate.
Ten doctors:
The clinic will provide space for 10 doctors, attaching approximately 12,500 patients, a major step toward addressing almost half the estimated 27,000 unattached patients in the West Shore region.
The Ministry of Health has told Island Social Trends in a statement that the ministry has committed to support family physicians and nurse practitioners at the new Langford clinic on Bryn Maur Road.
Planned opening in 2026:
The clinic is estimated to open in early 2026.
Responding to growing community needs:
“Langford has always thrived through establishing strong partnerships and today marks another milestone in that legacy. By providing funding for a new doctors clinic, Council is responding to the urgent healthcare needs of our rapidly growing community,” stated Mayor Scott Goodmanson, City of Langford.
“This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the tireless leadership and dedication of the South Island Primary Care Society, and for the partnership with the Freemasons of Langford who will be leasing the space at cost. Together, we’re improving the quality of life for Langford residents,” said Goodmanson.
Partnership with South Island Primary Care Society:
“On behalf of our Board, staff, clinicians, and patients, we are sincerely grateful for the ongoing support of the City of Langford, one of our earliest and most committed partners,” said Dr. Spencer Cleave of the South Island Primary Care Society.
“Our partnership with the City of Langford has been instrumental in improving access to physicians for our growing community,” said Alyssa Andres, Executive Director of the South Island Primary Care Society. “This achievement reflects the outstanding leadership and commitment of the doctors and administrative teams at our other clinics, whose support has enabled us to deliver exceptional care and sustain our rapid growth.”
About one of every four British Columbians does not have a family doctor. This situation of livability in BC has been the reality for over 10 years, as more family doctors (with their own practices) have retired and as more newly trained doctors choose other areas of medical practice.
“With additional contributions from the Westshore Charity Golf Tournament and private donors, this initiative is expected to address approximately 50% of the current family physician shortage in the West Shore. We are especially thankful to the City and the Freemasons of Langford for helping make this important project a reality,” it was stated by the South Island Primary Care Society.
Today’s announcement builds on the existing lease the City extended to the Society in 2024 for $1 to immediately accommodate three doctors at 877 Goldstream Avenue (the same building that accommodates Langford city hall).
Heads-up to the Province:
“This is a pivotal opportunity to demonstrate shared leadership and a united commitment to addressing the healthcare crisis,” it was stated by the City of Langford in a news release today.
“While the City recognizes that the Province is taking steps to strengthen community-based primary-care services, the City welcomes and would appreciate the Province’s financial support with this initiative.”
Leading by example:
The City of Langford says it continues to lead by example: “Not only in recreation and housing development, but also in creating the conditions necessary for a healthy, livable, and sustainable community.”
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