Monday September 15, 2025 | LANGFORD, BC [Updated Oct 17, 2025]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Economic development in Langford has been a cornerstone of the continuing success of the city.
The momentum for business has fueled housing growth and spawned a range of new initiatives.
An online survey about Langford Economic Development (for residents and for businesses) is available online to end of day (11:59 pm) on Sunday November 9 (previously open to September 21).
Specifically, the survey aims to:
- Understand residents’ perceptions of Langford’s local economy and business environment.
- Identify the community’s priorities and expectations related to economic development.
- Explore opportunities to enhance local employment, services, amenities, and investment.
- Better understand gaps in retail offerings and consumer spending patterns as it relates to everyday purchases.
- Support creating programs and initiatives that align with community values and support a vibrant and resilient economy.
Ideas Fair:
Coming up next is an Ideas Fair open house on Saturday October 18 where a revised draft plan will be presented for public comment. That’s an opportunity for the local community to offer input on economic development, being held at the Royal Roads University downtown Langford campus at 798 Goldstream Avenue, 11 am to 2 pm.
Refinements to the draft Economic Development Strategy will be done in October/November, for review and approval by Langford Council in December.
Shifting forward:
Over the past two decades, the City of Langford has demonstrated the results of many forward-thinking and innovative decisions by municipal and community leaders.
Langford has a well-earned reputation for its ability to efficiently navigate bureaucratic processes and cut red tape. The City’s leadership takes a proactive approach to attracting business investments from a range of businesses including technology companies, restaurants, retailers, and hotels.
Retaining businesses is key too. The City of Langford was the first municipality in British Columbia to implement a one-time business license processing fee. This reduced administrative cost for the municipality but also offered a welcoming helping hand to new businesses and is a simple way to keep the welcome mat open.
Consequently, Langford has been recognized nationally, receiving accolades such as “Best City for Work” and “Most Resilient City” from BC Business Magazine in consecutive years. But they see further room to shift forward in areas of economic development.
New Economic Development strategy in the works:
The new municipal economic development strategy will outlines economic goals, strategies, and specific actions. It will guide the City’s efforts to foster a supportive environment for business and investment.
These factors will be considered:
- Retention and expansion of local businesses
- Entrepreneurial development
- Community wealth building
- Attracting new businesses and investment
- Workforce development
Your thoughts on economic development:
A brand new survey on Economic Development has been launched today by the City of Langford, and runs online to September 14, 2025.
The survey is online at LetsChatLangford.ca/ecdev the survey has two tracks – RESIDENT & BUSINESS (if both apply to you, you can fill out both tracks).
Community Engagement:
The City says it will be working closely with businesses, residents, and other partners throughout this process. Key engagement activities include:
- Online Surveys
- Meetings with Businesses, Non-profit Organizations, and Partners
- Ideas Fair
- Focus Group
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NEWS SECTIONS: LANGFORD | EVENTS | BUSINESS & ECONOMY | RETAIL | SOUTH VANCOUVER ISLAND