Goldstream Gazette — Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Inclusive Langford at heart of councillor’s re-election campaign

Ben Fenlon

Whether you’re Langford born and bred or a newcomer putting down roots, Coun. Colby Harder envisions a connected, affordable and vibrant community where everyone can thrive.

To achieve this goal, the one-term incumbent councillor has confirmed she will be seeking re-election in the upcoming municipal race.

Over the last four years, Harder has played a part in bringing more doctors to the city, building safer routes to school, and helped steer the city toward an ambitious future, creating Langford’s first-ever strategic plan and refreshing the Official Community Plan.

But Harder says there’s more work to be done.

“I think Langford has grown really quickly over the past couple of decades, and we’ve reached a crossroads,” she says. “We have so many new residents who have brought in new values, priorities and ideas to help make our city even better than it is today.

“So I really want to make sure that my campaign focuses on building a more equitable and inclusive community.”

At the heart of her campaign is a focus on building livable neighbourhoods, creating partnerships with non-profits to bring more affordable housing to the city, similar to the one recently announced with Habitat for Humanity in the Westhills neighbourhood.

She also wants to focus on building safe and reliable infrastructure, giving residents a choice about how they move around the city, while also championing Langford as a potential hub for light rail transit.

“So that we can try to get through that crushing commute and build out some rapid transit connections between downtown Langford and the rest of the region,” she adds.

Bringing more accessible “quality of life” services to Langford, including medical clinics and child care, is also on Harder’s wish list for the city.

Born and raised in Langford, Harder graduated from UVic and now works in the field of public administration, with a focus on urban planning and city building. For 10 years, she has lived in the downtown core of the city with her husband and their two cats.

Growing up in Langford, her parents ran a trophy business in the community, which helped shape her passion for the community on her doorstep.

“I want to make sure that Langford continues to be a place where people can afford to build a family, a business, and a future,” she says.

As her campaign moves forward, Harder is excited to connect with folks on their doorsteps to hear directly from them what her priorities should be.

She also recognizes that some residents will have questions about property taxes and why Langford’s increased by 57 per cent over the last four years.

“As a taxpayer, I feel the pain too,” she says. “The challenges this term have been very startling and stark for a lot of folks who’ve lived in Langford for a long time under the old regime.

“But when I took office, I found that the city had essentially been underfunding public services that are essential for the safety and well-being of our community.”

As an example, she notes the city addressed a critical firefighter shortage during her term, recruiting an additional 27 crew members. The city has also moved forward on a number of bigger projects that will need the support of reserve funds, including the construction of the new RCMP building and the city’s purchase of Woodlands Park and the YMCA.

“These are all long-term investments that will help serve our community for the future,” she says.

She also points to the city’s five-year plan, which shows the proposed tax increases begin to stabilize to around a “more palatable” three to five per cent.

“This has been short-term pain for long-term gain,” she says. “Langford is finally headed off in a brighter direction for our future.”

To read more about Harder’s campaign, visit: www.colbyharder.ca.

Langford Coun. Colby Harder is seeking re-election in October. (Ben Fenlon/Goldstream Gazette)

City of Langford

Notice of Public Hearing

The City of Langford has received an application to amend Official Community Plan No. 2200 and Zoning Bylaw No. 300 by means of the proposed Bylaws noted below. All persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaws will be afforded an opportunity to be heard by presenting written submissions prior to 3 pm on the day of the Public Hearing or by making oral submissions at the Public Hearing. Please be advised that no submission may be received by Council after the close of the Public Hearing and any submissions made to Council, whether orally or in writing, will form part of the public record.

PLEASE NOTE: This meeting will be held electronically and in person at the above address. Information about how to connect to this meeting is indicated below.

Council will not answer questions about the proposal or proposed bylaw except to provide clarification. The purpose of the Public Hearing is for Council to hear the views and opinions of those members of the public who wish to make comments. Please have all your questions answered in advance of the Public Hearing by contacting the Planning Department as noted below.

The Agenda, including material that Council may consider in relation to the bylaw, will be posted to the City’s website: https://www.langford.ca/city-hall/agendas-and-minutes/ no later than the Friday before the public hearing.

Correspondence may be submitted by emailing planning@langford.ca or by writing to Langford City Hall, 2nd Floor, 877 Goldstream Avenue, Langford, BC, V9B 2X8. You may also contact the Planning Department at (250) 478.7882.

Marie Watmough
Corporate Officer

Teleconference # 1-855-703-8985 (Canada Toll Free) OR 1-778-907-2071 (long distance charges may apply)

Meeting ID # 897 0956 7061 – Zoom.us or Zoom app on your mobile device