CITY OF LANGFORD LAUNCHES ARTS AND CULTURE PROJECT WITH ISLAND CORRIDOR FOUNDATION
(Langford, B.C.) – On Tuesday, May 11, 2021, City of Langford Council announced a dynamic, new community development project in collaboration with the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF). With a focus on arts and culture, the project is expected to revitalize Station Avenue, improve parking, attract new businesses, showcase local artists, feature a dog park and more generally, create an inviting cultural precinct for the entire community to enjoy. Funding for the project is through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Gas Tax Fund.
The project grew out of a need to restore and revitalize the area specifically between Peatt Road and Veteran’s Memorial Parkway. For years, residents and businesses have expressed concerns about the appearance and general decline of the area. The ICF, owner of the property, recognized that the area needed revitalization and approached the City about working together to address the concerns. The City of Langford and the ICF entered into a collaborative agreement and the City now holds a 30-year lease with the ICF.
“This is an exciting project for people to take advantage of the arts, culture and recreation opportunities the community has to offer,” said Premier John Horgan, the MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “I look forward to seeing new life injected into this area, helping showcase how Langford is a tremendous place to live, work, play, and raise a family.”
In highlighting the importance of the project, Langford Mayor Stew Young said, “For many years, Council has focused on expanding recreational opportunities. Now we plan to turn our attention to arts and culture, providing new and exciting family-friendly options for residents and visitors alike. Working collaboratively, this project will reinvigorate the area and complement all we already have in place. It also sets the tone for future projects like the development of a performing arts theatre.”
Once complete, the project will dramatically transform the area into a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates local First Nations, showcases Langford’s evolving cultural identity, the area’s history, and creates ‘incubator’ opportunities for small businesses and artisans. Food trucks (with unique offerings not represented in Langford’s restaurants), bike racks, public art, and other amenities will be incorporated.
Larry Stevenson, CEO of the IFC, echoed Young’s enthusiasm. “This project reflects the Foundation’s mission perfectly; we are extremely proud to partner with Langford to turn this land into a beneficial and vibrant community asset.”
The formalized parking and dog park area will be completed Fall 2021; other features will be rolled out early spring 2022. Artists and small businesses interested in learning how get involved should contact Donna Petrie, Manager of Business Development at 250-391-3403 or via email at dpetrie@langford.ca.
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GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY + MEDIA AVAILABILITY
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
11:30am
Station Avenue at Veterans Memorial Parkway (by the train station)
Physical distancing measures must be adhered to, please wear a mask. Interviews will be conducted at a distance. Please RSVP. Due to COVID restrictions, this event is limited to 5 media in attendance.
TO SCHEDULE MEDIA INTERVIEWS:
City of Langford
Donna Petrie, Manager of Business Development | 250-391-3403 | dpetrie@langford.ca
Island Corridor Foundation
Larry Stevenson, CEO | 250-754-7254| larrystevenson@islandrail.ca
PROJECT RENDERINGS:
