Staff Report to Council: Parks and Trails Master Plan – Adoption Consideration

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The purpose of this report is to present Council with the final Parks and Trails Master Plan (PTMP) for consideration of adoption.

By combining input from the public, through multiple rounds of engagement, and by using industry best practices, the Parks and Trails Master Plan evaluates how the current parks and trails system is meeting the needs of residents today, explores what can be enhanced, and establishes a framework for future planning. The PTMP will guide future decisions related to the acquisition, development, park features and enhancements, and management of the City’s parks and trails system as Langford grows towards a population of 100,000.

It is worth noting that Langford’s recreation facility needs were not included in the PTMP as these recommendations are set to come forward through the West Shore Parks and Recreation Regional Master Plan in 2026.

BACKGROUND:

The development of a Parks and Trails Master Plan was identified as Objective 6b within Strategic Priority Six: Quality of Life as outlined in the 2023–2027 Council Strategic Plan.

A Request for Proposals (RFP) for this project was issued through BC Bid in summer 2024, and the contract was awarded to RC Strategies, the same consultant responsible for completing the Parks Needs Assessment in 2023.

During the fall and winter of 2024, the project team undertook an initial analysis of parks and trails, leveraging the foundations established in the Needs Assessment, and developed a comprehensive public engagement strategy.

The development of the Parks and Trails Master Plan involved two phases of public engagement. The first phase, completed in spring 2025, included a survey with 289 online and 22 hard copy responses, an interactive web map, pop-up events at the YMCA and Belmont High School, seven community contributor conversations, and participation in the Langford Ideas Fair. Phase two, which occurred during fall 2025, focused on assessing community support for the objectives, strategies, and actions proposed in the draft master plan. Phase two included 165 responses to the online survey and 153 participants engaged at the Langford Ideas Fair.

The foundational elements of the Plan were presented to Council on December 1, 2025, and the draft Parks and Trail Master Plan, as well as supporting documentation, was shared with the community on December 18, 2025, via the Let’s Chat Langford public engagement platform. Community members were invited to provide input through a one-question survey, which closed on January 4, 2026.

Key feedback received from the final engagement included mixed opinions on the proposed repurposing of Centennial Park and relocation of softball diamonds to Sooke Lake Road, the desire for improved trail connectivity and additional crossings, requests for more off-leash areas along with enhanced regulation of off-leash dogs, and interest in additional amenities such as washrooms, benches, lighting, shade, signage, and water.

After reviewing all survey responses, consultants made one final revision to the draft plan, which replaced all instances of “median income” with “median household income”. While the broader feedback was constructive, the feedback does not require significant changes to the PTMP’s overall direction or foundation.

COMMENTARY:

The Parks and Trails Master Plan draws on and integrates key directives and findings from the City’s Official Community Plan, Urban Forest Management Plan, other ongoing master plans (such as the Active Transportation Plan), the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Needs Assessment, and input from public engagement.

Following a comprehensive review of community input, research, and policy guidance, nine objectives were established for the Parks and Trails Master Plan, each supported by corresponding strategies and actions. These objectives articulate what must be achieved to advance the vision for the parks and trails system and serve as the organizing framework for the Plan’s overall direction. Each of the 30 strategies is further detailed through a total of 118 actions that outline the steps the City may undertake to implement the Plan. Collectively, these strategies and actions guide progress towards achieving the long-term vision for Langford’s parks and trails system.

Objectives

1. Grow and diversify the parks system to keep pace with population growth and improve equity.
2. Ensure the parks and trails system is accessible to all.
3. Enhance, diversify, and connect the recreational trail system.
4. Protect ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and expand the tree canopy in parks.
5. Support climate adaptation and resilience.
6. Provide high-quality unstructured outdoor recreation amenities that meet the needs of current and future residents.
7. Residents are inspired to experience and support Langford’s parks and trails.
8. Cultivate community involvement.
9. Sustainably resource and manage the parks and trails system.

It is important to note that the identified capital, operational, policy, and management strategies and actions are intended to inform annual staff work plans and assist Council in setting priorities. Implementation will occur as resources and capacity allow and will remain subject to the City’s established budgeting and decision-making processes. Many strategies and actions will require funding, staff time, additional planning, design, regulatory approvals, collaboration, and detailed budgeting before they can be executed.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

All funds for the development of the Parks and Trails Master Plan were secured through the Local Government Capacity Funding Grant.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS:

There are no known legal implications at this time.

STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:

6b – Develop a Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan.

OPTIONS:

Option 1

THAT Council approve the City of Langford’s Parks and Trails Master Plan as presented.

OR Option 2

THAT Council take no action at this time with respect to the Parks and Trails Master Plan and request further information.

SUBMITTED BY:

Megan Treleaven, Parks Planning and Research Coordinator

Concurrence:

• Yari Nielsen, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities
• Melisa Miles, Manager of Legislative Services
• Donna Petrie, Senior Manager of Communications & Economic Development
• Leah Stohmann, RPP, MCIP, Director of Community Planning and Development
• Kevin Bowbyes, Deputy Director of Engineering and Public Works
• Marie Watmough, Director of Legislative & Protective Services
• Braden Hutchins, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
• Darren Kiedyk, Chief Administrative Officer

Attachments: Parks and Trails Master Plan