Official Community Plan Bylaw

CORPORATE OFFICER 
CITY OF LANGFORD 
BYLAW NO. 2200 
A BYLAW TO ADOPT AN OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN FOR THE ENTIRE MUNICIPALITY PURSUANT TO 
S.472 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 
The Council for the City of Langford in open meeting assembled and having observed the relevant 
provisions of the Local Government Act, enacts the following: 
1.
Title 
This Bylaw may be cited as "Langford Official Community Plan Bylaw 2200, 2025". 
2.
The City of Langford Official Community Plan 
The document entitled "Official Community Plan", annexed hereto and marked Schedule "A" is 
adopted as the Official Community Plan of the City of Langford. 
3.
Severability 
No provision of this Bylaw depends for its validity on any other provision and the provisions of this 
Bylaw shall remain in full force and effect, save and except only those specific provisions of the 
Bylaw which may for any reason be held to be invalid. 
4.
Repeal 
City of Langford Bylaw No. 1200 "Langford Official Community Plan Bylaw, 2008" is repealed. 
READ A FIRST TIME this 20th day of May, 2025. 
PUBLIC HEARING HELD this 25th day of June, 2025. 
READ A SECOND TIME this 25th day of June, 2025. 
READ A THIRD TIME this 25th day of June, 2025. 
ADOPTED this 25th day of June, 2025. 
PRESIDI
UNCIL MEMBER 
SCOTT GOODMANSON 
MAYOR 
Made Watmough 
Corporate Officer 
Adopted: 2025-06-25 
Consolidated: 2026-09-08

Schedule "A" 
Follows on next page. 

List of Amendments 
Consolidated for Convenience Only 
This Bylaw has been consolidated for convenience only.  Where applicable, capitalization, numerical 
order, and numbering have been altered for consistency.  Copies of the original Bylaw and amendments 
may be viewed at the Langford City Hall located on the Second Floor, 877 Goldstream Avenue, Langford, 
BC. 
No.  
Bylaw 
Date Adopted 
Amendment 
2 
2268 
2026-07-20 
Form and Character Design Guidelines 
3
2292 
2026-09-08 
Omnibus No. 1

List of Maps 
 
No.  
Bylaw 
Date Adopted 
Amendment 
1 
2200 
2025-06-25 
Planning Area 
2 
2292 
2026-09-08 
Future Street Network 
3 
2292 
2026-09-08 
Growth Management and Land Use Strategy 
4 
2200 
2025-06-25 
City Centre 
5 
2200 
2025-06-25 
Water Infrastructure Inventory 
6 
2200 
2025-06-25 
Sanitary Sewer Inventory 
7 
2200 
2025-06-25 
Sensitive Ecosystems and Habitat Areas 
8 
2200 
2025-06-25 
Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) Inventory 
9 
2292 
2026-09-08 
Park and Greenspace Inventory 
10 
2200 
2025-06-25 
Institutional Uses and Institutions Inventory 
11 
2200 
2025-06-25 
Riparian Zones 
12 
2200 
2025-06-25 
Sensitive Ecosystems 
13 
2200 
2025-06-25 
200 Year Floodplain 
14 
2200 
2025-06-25 
Steep Slopes 
15 
2200 
2025-06-25 
Drainage Concerns 
16 
2200 
2025-06-25 
Interface Fire Hazard Areas 
17 
2200 
2025-06-25 
Sooke Road DP Areas 
18 
2200 
2025-06-25 
City Centre DP Areas 
19 
2268 
2026-07-20 
Sand and Gravel Deposits (Appendix F) 
 
 

List of Appendices 
 
No.  
Bylaw 
Date Adopted 
Amendment 
A 
2200 
2025-06-25 
Development Permit Areas 
B 
2200 
2025-06-25 
Development Permit Area Guidelines 
C 
2200 
2025-06-25 
Environmental Protection and Hazard Areas 
D 
2268 
2026-07-20 
Master Planned Development Permit Areas 
E 
2268 
2026-07-20 
Regional Context Statement 
F 
2268 
2026-07-20 
Sand and Gravel Deposits 
 
  
 

Official 
Community Plan
BYLAW NO. 2200

CITY OF LANGFORD OCP REFRESH/RETHINK|JANUARY 2025 DRAFT
Land Acknowledgement
The City of Langford acknowledges and honours the traditional territories of the Coast Salish, 
specifically Xwsepsum (Esquimalt), Lekwungen (Songhees), Sc’ianew (Beecher Bay), and the 
WSÁNEĆ Peoples represented by the Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tsawout, Tseycum, and Malahat 
Nations. We thank them for sharing this beautiful land. 
The City of Langford acknowledges and honours the importance of listening, understanding, 
and engaging meaningfully and intentionally with local First Nations. The City is committed 
to building strong relationships with the local Nations and is committed to ensuring this work 
is a priority and approached in a good way. While there is much work to do, and will be an 
ongoing evolving process, the City is going to start by understanding the priorities of all local 
First Nations on a one-on-one basis. This Plan may be enhanced to honour what we learn and 
will keep the City accountable to our commitments. This approach to building relationships 
with local First Nations will be applied to all City projects and initiatives with the commitment 
of being accountable partners, and strong allies to the Indigenous community.
The City will work to implement the actions specific to local government as outlined in the 
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action

Background on this new Official Community Plan .  .  .  . 2
What We Heard .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 8
Targets and Commitments .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 11
Emphasizing Urban Infill .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 14
Mobility Choice, Not Car Dependency .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  18
Land-Use and Growth Management Strategy .  .  .  .  .  27
Land-Use Designations .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 30
High Quality City-Building .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 52
Emphasizing Housing Action .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 60
Climate Action and Sustainable Infrastructure .  .  .  .  66
Protecting Ecological Systems and Biodiversity .  .  .  . 72
Economic Resilience and Prosperity .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 78
Embracing the Creative City .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  83
Food Systems and Security .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 89
Parks, Places, and Services for People .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  95
Contents
PART 1
PART 2
PART 3
PART 4
PART 5
PART 6
PART 7
PART 8
PART 9
PART 10
PART 11
PART 12
PART 13
PART 14
Appendex A: Development Permit Areas  .  .   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  103
Appendex B: Development Permit Area Guidelines  .  .  .  .  .  .   115
Appendex C: Environmental Protection & Hazard Areas  .  .  .  162
Appendex D: Master Planned Development Permit Areas .  . 203
Appendex E: Regional Context Statement  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .240
Appendex F: Sand and Gravel Deposits .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .247

PART 1
Background on this new 
Official Community Plan
BYLAW NO. 2200

CITY OF LANGFORD OCP   |   BYLAW NO. 2200
2
Background on this new Official Community 
Plan
Introduction
The City of Langford is a rapidly growing community 
that has been transitioning from a primarily suburban 
municipality to a vibrant urban destination in the 
heart of the capital region. With a population increase 
of nearly 60% over the past two census periods, 
Langford continues to be one of the fastest growing 
cities in Canada. 
Generally, growth and change has been accepted and 
even embraced by Langford residents, as it brings 
numerous benefits to the community. For instance, 
increased tax revenues from new development 
has been reinvested into enhancing public spaces, 
improving amenities, and building new facilities. 
Additionally, new development has created jobs, 
expanded services, and provided affordable housing 
options, along with a more diverse housing market. 
PART 1: Background on this new OCP
Throughout this change, Langford has remained one 
of the most affordable cities in the region.
At the same time, many residents have been calling 
for a more strategic, purposeful and proactive 
approach to community planning and development. 
This OCP lays the groundwork for future development 
by strategically aligning community objectives 
with best practices in city planning and prioritizing 
the direction of future growth. This new Plan is 
intended to address the multiple challenges facing 
our community while providing greater clarity on the 
location and nature of new development as Langford 
enters a new era of growth.

CITY OF LANGFORD OCP   |   BYLAW NO. 2200
3
An Official Community Plan (OCP) is a long-term 
land use plan and policy document that guides a 
municipality’s growth and development. The vision set 
by an OCP reflects the input of residents, community 
partners, professionals, and municipal staff who 
contributed to its creation. It also incorporates 
best practices in city planning, tailored to the local 
context. By integrating land use, transportation, 
economy, environment, urban design, quality of life, 
community needs, and services, the OCP provides 
a comprehensive strategy for decision-making and 
dialogue about the city’s future.
An Official Community Plan is a 
long-term land use plan and policy 
document that guides a municipality’s 
growth and development. 
This OCP outlines how the city will grow to address 
both current and future challenges while ensuring 
accountability, transparency, and follow-through on 
community objectives. Rather than replacing the 
previous OCP entirely, many of its valuable policies 
have been retained and enhanced. This “refresh” 
approach allows the City to build on existing 
strengths while incorporating bold new ideas. 
In this way, key sections have been strategically 
consolidated, reorganized, and refined to make 
meaningful progress while optimizing public time 
and resources. 
A significant shift in this OCP is its emphasis on 
implementation and outcomes. Rather than planning 
for a fixed number of years with uncertain outcomes, 
the refreshed OCP plans for a population of 100,000 
residents. This approach offers the key advantage 
of zeroing in on what Langford needs to support 
this milestone, no matter how long it takes to get 
there. It’s an example of “planning for outcomes 
rather than timeframes;” a best practice that keeps 
the city’s growth strategies relevant over time with 
unknown variables.
The strategic direction of this OCP is organized 
around “desired outcomes,” which serve as 
specific goals for the future. Each desired outcome 
is supported by a range of policies that guide 
implementation, resourcing, and strategic planning. 
By focusing on outcomes, this OCP provides a flexible, 
forward-thinking framework that adapts to changing 
conditions while keeping the City on course toward 
its long-term vision.
It is acknowledged that conditions and public 
priorities can shift as new opportunities and 
challenges emerge. For this reason, the Local 
Government Act states that an OCP does not commit 
or authorize a municipality to implement policies 
specified in the Plan. However, any new or amended 
bylaws or works undertaken by a Council must align 
with the OCP. In this way, an OCP serves as a high-
level guide for growth and development, while 
other municipal plans, bylaws, and policies work in 
coordination to implement its objectives.
The next critical step in achieving the OCP’s desired 
outcomes is the completion of several key projects, 
including a Transportation Master Plan, an Active 
Transportation Plan, a Climate Action Master Plan, 
a Parks and Trails Master Plan, an Arts and Culture 
Strategy, and an Economic Development Strategy. 
These initiatives will outline specific actions to 
support community-wide objectives, such as updating 
City Bylaws—including the Zoning Bylaw and the 
Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw—
to shape future development and infrastructure 
improvements. They will help to establish how new 
amenities and community benefits are integrated into 
developments, guide strategic property acquisitions 
and capital investments, and identify opportunities 
to enhance transportation networks with active 
transportation and transit-priority infrastructure. As 
these implementation measures take shape, the OCP 
will be updated to ensure a cohesive, integrated plan 
for Langford’s future.
What is an Official Community Plan?
PART 1: Background on this new OCP

CITY OF LANGFORD OCP   |   BYLAW NO. 2200
4
The reference to 100,000 residents in this OCP does not reflect a 
population goal for Langford, but it isn’t a random number either. 
Langford has been growing quickly and consistently for the last 
two decades. In fact, Langford was the third fastest growing city in 
Canada between 2016 and 2021. Past projections have suggested 
that Langford could reach 100,000 residents within 15-20 years, 
but we can’t know with real certainty when we will hit this 
number. What we do know is that growth is expected to continue.
Expectations outlined in the Capital Regional District’s (CRD) 
Regional Growth Strategy and the new Provincial housing 
legislation point to the need for Langford to accommodate 
regional growth expectations. In fact, Provincial housing legislation 
now requires local governments to calculate the five- and 20-
year housing needs for their community using standardized 
methodology and data sources, and account for the identified 
number of new homes in both their OCPs and Zoning Bylaws. 
For Langford, the 20-year housing need is projected to be nearly 
17,000 new homes, which will add approximately 42,000 new 
residents to Langford’s 2024 population of just over 58,000. 
The projected housing needs of the city must be reviewed and 
adjusted every five years to account for changing needs and the 
actual pace of new growth. For the time being, this housing needs 
projection roughly aligns with the 100,000 residents accounted 
for in this OCP. 
To be clear, Langford’s growth isn’t expected to be “finished” 
when we reach 100,000 people. Rather, that would signify 
the ending of this Plan’s tenure, and the beginning of the next 
planning phase for the city. In other words, 100,000 is not a 
new density decision, but density that is already expected, 
and required to be planned for through the Provincial housing 
legislation. The key decisions in this new OCP involve where and 
how we grow.
What do we mean by a Plan for 100,000 
residents?
PART 1: Background on this new OCP

CITY OF LANGFORD OCP   |   BYLAW NO. 2200
5
In 2023, the City’s first Five-Year Strategic Plan was 
adopted. This is different from the OCP in that it is a 
separate Council Plan that outlines their vision, core 
values, and key priorities to guide decision making 
on a range of topics over a five-year period. In the 
Strategic Plan, Council identified and prioritized many 
strategic objectives around the “Five Crises” that are 
Tackling the Five Crises
facing all cities, including Langford. These crises are so 
significant and daunting that they require a shared set 
of goals and actions if they are to be comprehensively 
and successfully addressed. The Five Crises, and how 
the City can address the complex challenges they 
represent through this OCP, are emphasized in this 
OCP.
THE FIVE CRISES
2 - Housing and Affordability Crises
Housing and transportation represent the two biggest costs in determining how affordable or 
unaffordable our city will be as it grows. The new OCP decisions around density, land-use mix, 
community completeness, housing types and tenures, and mobility options will either greatly 
support or hinder our affordability goals.
1 - Climate Crisis
The way we plan and build our cities and suburbs will determine a large part of our success or 
failure in mitigating the climate crisis. How far and how fast we go with the decisions contained in 
the new OCP, particularly our land-use and transportation decisions, will be the most important 
step our community will take toward this goal.
5 - Infrastructure Cost Crisis
Where and how we grow has a powerful effect on overall urban economics, and particularly the 
infrastructure, services, amenities, and municipal taxes that residents and the City can or can’t 
afford. In short, some types and locations of growth cost a lot more public funding, both initially 
and over the long term, than others. Growth that positively contributes to the local economy, 
and even subsidizes more expensive growth, both immediately and in the long term, will be 
emphasized in this OCP. 
4 - Public Health Crisis
The way we build cities and suburbs dramatically affects our individual health and the overall 
public health system. This is due to the health implications of designing opportunities for regular 
activity and environmental quality into our communities. The land-use and transportation 
policies that guide the new OCP will be the bedrock for a healthier city as we grow. 
3 - Equity Crisis
The extent to which our city and its opportunities are equitable and accessible for all citizens, 
now and in the future, is strongly influenced by our city-building practices and policies. Such 
policies and practices guide decisions that support creating more housing options, the availability 
of viable transportation choices, and how the community’s many needs are met. The new OCP 
policy choices seek to enable a more equitable city throughout every part of the Plan.
PART 1: Background on this new OCP

CITY OF LANGFORD OCP   |   BYLAW NO. 2200
6
An effective Official Community Plan (OCP) begins with 
a strong, community-driven vision for the future. To 
ensure this vision was accurately captured, community 
feedback was actively sought and integrated in 
multiple phases throughout the planning process.
In addition to public input, one of the most common 
best practices in OCP development is to centre the 
Plan around “Big Ideas.” These Big Ideas, shared 
with the public during the engagement process, 
Designing the Plan around Big Ideas
are designed to strategically address the needs of 
a growing population of 100,000, while tackling 
critical challenges such as climate change, housing 
affordability, social equity, public health, and rising 
infrastructure costs—the ‘Five Crises’.
Some of these Big Ideas are reflected as distinct policy 
sections within the OCP, while others serve as the 
foundational principles that underpin all policies and 
land-use strategies.
PART 1: Background on this new OCP
OCP BIG IDEAS
The Five 
Crises
All policies put forth in the OCP will 
either directly or indirectly address 
one or more of the Five Crises.
Measuring 
Success
Use clear and quantifiable 
measurables wherever possible 
in the OCP to strengthen 
accountability, transparency, and 
follow-through.
Quality 
City-Building
Strengthen, clarify, and consolidate 
our urban design, amenities, 
mobility, and parks/urban nature 
policies by creating a new section 
of the OCP focused entirely on high 
quality city-building.
New City 
Centre Policy
Explore what new or expanded 
role the City Centre, and a clearly 
defined downtown within it, 
will play in accommodating new 
development.
Parks, 
People-Places, 
and Urban 
Nature
Coordinate our parks and urban 
nature policies, while improving 
our understanding and approaches 
to urban people-places (including 
squares, plazas, and transformed 
streets) that aren’t necessarily parks.
Centres, 
Corridors, and 
Complete 
Communities
Review how we manage growth, 
along with the type, number, 
location, and size of urban centres 
and corridors.
Transportation 
and 
Mobility
Emphasize more sustainable and 
equitable transportation options to 
provide more choice in how we get 
around, and explore how 42,000 
new residents will move around the 
city without needing a lot more cars.
A “Made in 
Langford” 
Approach 
Apply a local lens to ensure we 
address the new Provincial housing 
legislation in a way that strategically 
benefits the future of Langford 
while addressing the Five Crises.

PART 2
What We Heard
BYLAW NO. 2200

CITY OF LANGFORD OCP   |   BYLAW NO. 2200
8
What We Heard
Engagement Activities and Reach
The public engagement process was divided into two 
main phases, each involving various consultation 
methods:
Phase 1 (Summer 2024):
	
ӓ Online Survey
404 responses collected.
	
ӓ In-Person Engagement
Five community pop-up events reaching 
600+ residents.
	
ӓ Social Media & Digital Outreach
Over 5,000 views on Facebook and Instagram, 
advertisements in local newspapers, and digital 
platforms.
	ӓ
Total Project Website Visits
3,260 visitors.
Phase 2 (Fall 2024):
	ӓ
Online Surveys
741 responses collected from 347 individuals 
across four surveys.
	ӓ
In-Person Engagement
Open House event at Ruth King Elementary 
School, attended by approximately 85 residents.
	ӓ
Social Media & Digital Outreach
25,000+ views across digital campaigns, print ads 
in Times Colonist and Goldstream Gazette.
	ӓ
Total Project Website Visits
3,691 visitors.
PART 2: What We Heard
The City of Langford launched a multi-phase 
engagement process to update its Official 
Community Plan (OCP), involving extensive 
public outreach, including online surveys, in-
person events, and digital media campaigns, 
to gather input on key community planning 
priorities.
Engagement efforts focused on themes such 
as housing, transportation, sustainability, and 
community livability.

CITY OF LANGFORD OCP   |   BYLAW NO. 2200
9
Key Themes Across the Public Engagement Process
PART 2: What We Heard
	ӓ
Strong preference for higher-density housing near transit 
corridors and urban centers while minimizing urban 
sprawl.
	ӓ
Support for mixed-use developments that integrate 
residential, commercial, and green spaces.
	ӓ
Concerns over rapid development, construction impacts, 
and the need for more family-sized housing options.
	ӓ
Widespread support for improved public transit.
	ӓ
Calls for enhanced pedestrian and cycling infrastructure 
to promote active transportation.
	ӓ
Concerns about congestion and inadequate infrastructure 
to support new development.
	ӓ
Strong support for policies to increase parks, trails, and 
urban forests.
	ӓ
Demand for vibrant, walkable neighbourhoods with 
access to local shops, services, and amenities.
	ӓ
Emphasis on community gathering spaces, such as urban 
plazas and public markets, to foster social interaction.
	ӓ
Calls for development that aligns with infrastructure 
upgrades, including roads, schools, and healthcare.
	ӓ
Mixed opinions on building height limits, with some 
favouring mid-rise development (four to six storeys) and 
others preferring higher density in strategic areas.
	ӓ
Concerns about ensuring new developments contribute 
to public amenities and community improvements.
Housing and 
Urban Growth
Transportation 
and Mobility
Community 
Livability and 
Green Spaces
Balanced 
Development and 
Infrastructure

PART 3
Targets and Commitments
BYLAW NO. 2200

CITY OF LANGFORD OCP   |   BYLAW NO. 2200
11
The Commitment
Ensure OCP priorities, measurable targets, and 
implementation actions are included in annual 
financial, strategic, and legislated decision-
making frameworks and reporting processes.
Targets and 
Commitments
PART 3: Targets and Commitments
A key objective of this OCP is to enhance 
accountability, transparency, and follow-through 
to effectively achieve the community’s long-term 
goals. In support of this commitment, all measurable 
targets from each section of the OCP are consolidated 
and tracked to ensure they remain a central focus 
throughout the Plan’s implementation.
The success of the OCP implementation depends on 
maintaining strong alignment with Corporate (Five-
Year) Financial Planning, Council Strategic Plans, 
departmental work programs, and the availability 
of funding. To advance the OCP’s objectives, capital 
planning must be coordinated with the Plan’s 
priorities to guide investments and resource allocation 
that support the community’s vision. 
To uphold accountability and transparency, these 
targets will be reviewed annually. This review will 
assess progress on key actions and measurable 
targets, consider updates to corporate planning 
documents, and identify any emerging trends, risks, 
or opportunities. Staff will prepare an annual report 
to Council summarizing implementation progress, 
outcomes, and any recommended adjustments to 
maintain alignment with both corporate priorities and 
the OCP.

CITY OF LANGFORD OCP   |   BYLAW NO. 2200
12
PART 3: Targets and Commitments
1.	 Continue to work with Indigenous partners, 
celebrate Indigenous culture, and ensure that 
our work is grounded with the intentional lens of 
truth and reconciliation.
2.	 Achieve a multi-modal transportation system 
that sees 42% of all trips made by walking, 
rolling, cycling, and/or public transit by 100,000 
residents.
3.	 Work with BC Transit to increase the public transit 
mode-share target for Langford beyond their 
current target of 10% by 2050.
4.	 Ensure all areas of Langford’s City Centre and 
Urban Centres have a walk score of 70 or 
higher by the time we reach 100,000 residents 
(indicating most errands can be accomplished 
within a short walk, roll, or bike ride). 
5.	 Achieve a minimum of 5,081 new homes by 2030 
and 16,942 new homes by 2045. 
6.	 Reduce the number of households experiencing 
Core Housing Need to below 10% by the 2026 
census.
7.	 Reduce the City’s corporate emissions by 50% 
(from 2007 levels) by 2030, and achieve net zero 
emissions by 2050.
8.	 Decrease community-wide GHG emissions by 
61% from 2007 levels by 2038. 
9.	 Ensure an urban forest canopy of at least 40% in 
2050. 
10.	Plant at least 300-600 new trees (excluding 
replacement trees) per year on public and private 
property. 
11.	Establish a minimum of one community garden 
per neighborhood by the time we reach 100,000 
residents. 
12.	Increase the amount City-owned parkland by 
50% by the time we reach 100,000 residents. 
13.	Ensure 95% of residents live within 400m of a 
usable park or public space by the time we reach 
100,000 residents.
Targets and Commitments

PART 4
Emphasizing Urban Infill 
BYLAW NO. 2200

CITY OF LANGFORD OCP   |   BYLAW NO. 2200
14
Emphasizing 
Urban Infill
The Commitment
The majority of new growth, except for the 
completion of existing zoned approvals for 
greenfield developments, will be through urban 
multi-modal infill development, with no new 
car-dependent greenfield rezoning permissions 
given in the city relative to this OCP to 100,000 
residents.
PART 4: Emphasizing Urban Infill
As noted, about 17,000 new homes will be needed to 
support a population of 100,000 and meet Langford’s 
Housing Needs Report requirements. Significantly, 
approximately 40%-50% of this housing is already 
accounted for through previous zoning approvals. 
These zoned lands include considerable areas of 
lower-density development that are generally car-
dependent today, although it is anticipated that 
new commercial and mixed-use areas will emerge 
to improve access to shops, services, amenities, and 
public transit as build-out occurs. 
To support growth based on the Big Ideas of this 
OCP and the sustainable vision of the community 
established through public engagement, the new 
housing approvals enabled by this OCP focus on denser, 
multi-modal, multi-family “infill” development in the 
City Centre, existing and new Urban Centres, Corridors, 
and Complete Communities (see Part 6 – Land Use and 
Growth Management Strategy). 
In the context of this OCP, infill refers to compact urban 
development generally located within the built-up 
urban areas that are supported by walking, rolling, 
biking, and transit. This is distinct from “greenfield” 
development, which generally refers to lower density, 
car-dependent sprawl usually (but not always) located 
on the edge of the built-up area. It is important to note 
that from a purely location-based perspective, not all 
infill is beneficial (as it can be single-use, low density 
and lacking mobility choice), and not all greenfield 
development is detrimental (as it can be dense, 
mixed-use, and multi-modal). Thus, the crucial factors 
are mobility choice, mixed-use spaces, and density. 

CITY OF LANGFORD OCP   |   BYLAW NO. 2200
15
PART 4: Emphasizing Urban Infill
Multi-modal infill is a strategic, economically viable, 
and socially and environmentally responsible 
approach that is essential to realizing the vision 
outlined in this OCP. By prioritizing key areas that can 
accommodate increased residential and commercial 
land uses while enabling greater choices in housing, 
jobs, transportation, and services, this approach 
is a significant way of addressing the Five Crises. It 
supports critical mode-shift targets by reducing traffic 
congestion while accommodating a growing number 
of trips, and promotes high-quality, cost-effective 
urban development with broad public benefits. 
These benefits, strongly supported by the community 
during public engagement, include the efficient use 
of infrastructure, thoughtful urban design, improved 
access to a variety of amenities, a diverse mix of 
housing for all ages and life stages, and convenient 
access to a range of active transportation options for 
daily commutes and errands. 
In this way, multi-modal infill aligns land-use and 
transportation planning, adding homes, jobs, and 
services without significantly increasing vehicle 
congestion in order to support a more sustainable and 
efficient city that prioritizes quality of life and overall 
well-being. 
This OCP identifies ample urban locations for beneficial 
infill growth near key infrastructure, including 
anticipated expansions to public transit. Therefore, 
proposals to develop greenfield locations in a more 
urban way would not be considered necessary, 
strategic, or beneficial. 
Moving forward with this approach is 
essential. If additional car-dependent 
greenfield development is enabled 
through approvals during the life of this 
Plan beyond the already committed 
40-50%, the many stated policy goals 
and targets of both this OCP, and its 
predecessor, will not be achievable. 
Regional-level goals and policy objectives would 
similarly not be achievable. Aligning planning with 
action is crucial to realizing the City’s vision effectively 
and authentically. By ensuring this alignment, the 
City can avoid significant costs and create a thriving 
environment for both current and future residents.
While this strategy incorporates best practices in 
city planning, it is also driven by community input. 
During public engagement, Langford residents strongly 
supported the BIG Ideas shaping this Plan, including 
tackling the housing and affordability crisis, enhancing 
social equity, responding to the climate emergency, 
promoting active living, and making more efficient land 
use and infrastructure decisions. Prioritizing multi-
modal infill over greenfield development is essential to 
turning these ideas into action.

CITY OF LANGFORD OCP   |   BYLAW NO. 2200
16
Langford
Lake
Glen
Lake
Florence
Lake
Mount Wells 
Regional Park
Goldstream 
Provincial 
Park
Mill Hill 
Regional 
Park
Thetis Lake 
Regional 
Park
Finlayson 
Arm
District 
of 
Metchosin
District 
of 
Highlands
Town 
of 
View Royal
City 
of 
Colwood
Juan de Fuca
Electoral Area
Millstream Rd
L
ato
ri
a
R
d
Happy Valley Rd
Veter
a
ns M
e
morial
Pkwy
B
e
ar
M
o
unt
a
i
n
P
k
w
y
Trans-Canada Hwy
Glen
Lake
Rd
Goldstream Ave
Sooke Rd
Jacklin
Rd
Peatt Rd
La
n
gford
P
kwy
West Shore Pkwy
Leigh
Rd
Phipps
Rd
Se
t
c
h
fi
eld
A
v
e
Treanor
Ave
McCallum Rd
Humpback 
Reservoir
Island Rail Corridor
Legend
City of Langford Boundary
First Nations Reserve
Prov/Reg Parks
0
0.5
1
0.25
Kilometers
MAP 1: PLANNING AREA
PART 4: Emphasizing Urban Infill

PART 5
Mobility Choice, 
Not Car Dependency
BYLAW NO. 2200

CITY OF LANGFORD OCP   |   BYLAW NO. 2200
18
Mobility Choice, 
Not Car Dependency
The Challenge
Langford remains highly dependent on 
automobiles, with the lack of comfortable and 
accessible infrastructure identified as the top 
barrier preventing residents from choosing 
active transportation. As the city grows, how 
can transportation and land use planning work 
together to provide safe, accessible, and climate-
resilient mobility choices while maintaining an 
efficient transportation system and avoiding 
increased congestion? (Bylaw No. 2292) 
Desired Outcomes
1.	 The city’s multi-modal transportation system 
will reflect the Modal Hierarchy.
2.	 Langford will have an integrated multi-modal 
transportation network that serves all ages 
and abilities.
3.	 Langford will have a public transit network 
that is reliable, efficient, and attractive to 
residents and visitors. (Bylaw No. 2292)
4.	 All city-building policies, infrastructure 
investments, and bylaws will support 
the integration of land-use planning and 
transportation planning to create complete, 
connected communities. (Bylaw No. 2292)
PART 5: Mobility Choice, Not Car Dependency
(Bylaw No. 2292)

This OCP prioritizes greater mobility choice by 
reducing reliance on cars and supporting a connected, 
multi-modal transportation system that is accessible 
to all ages and abilities, climate resilient, and 
integrated with land use planning. By expanding 
transportation options, the City can help lower 
transportation costs, reduce emissions and pollution, 
make more efficient use of limited public space, and 
deliver broader social, economic, and environmental 
benefits. 
Experience from other cities shows that building 
additional or wider roads does not reduce congestion. 
Instead, it encourages more driving, leading to 
increased costs, environmental and quality of life 
impacts, and continued traffic issues, an effect known 
as “induced demand” or the “fundamental law of 
congestion.” The best solution is a range of reliable 
and accessible transportation options, combined with 
integrated land use planning and safe, connected 
infrastructure. Success depends on ensuring that 
homes, shops, services, parks, amenities, and 
employment opportunities are located near multiple 
transportation choices. 
As Langford continues to grow, greater mobility 
choice will help create a more efficient transportation 
system for all users. A well-planned network benefits 
everyone, including those who need or prefer to 
drive, by reducing congestion, improving accessibility, 
supporting economic productivity, and offering 
greater flexibility in daily travel.

CITY OF LANGFORD OCP   |   BYLAW NO. 2200
19
5.1.	 Direct all transportation infrastructure improvements 
and guide all aspects of the Active Transportation Plan, 
Transportation Master Plan, and integrated land-use 
decisions according to the following Modal Hierarchy to 
support the efficient movement of people and goods, 
expand mobility choice, and reduce transportation-related 
emissions. (Bylaw No. 2292)
A.	 Pedestrians and movement with mobility aids.
B.	 Cycling and micro-mobility.
C.	 Public transit.
D.	 Shared vehicles.
E.	 Commercial vehicles.
F.	 Single-occupant vehicles.
PART 5: Mobility Choice, Not Car Dependency
Pedestrians and movement with mobility aids
Cycling and micro-mobility
Public transit
Shared vehicles
Commercial vehicles
Desired Outcome #1: The city’s multi-modal transportation system will reflect 
the Modal Hierarchy.
1

CITY OF LANGFORD OCP   |   BYLAW NO. 2200
20
PART 5: Mobility Choice, Not Car Dependency
5.2.	 Incentivize active transportation modes such as walking, 
rolling, and cycling by creating a convenient, comfortable, 
accessible, and attractive experience.
5.3.	 Support and facilitate multi-modal trips involving more than 
one mode, such as biking, transit and walking in a single 
trip.
5.4.	 Improve bike and active transportation parking/storage and 
end-user facilities.
5.5.	 Implement vehicle parking maximums where considered 
strategic in existing or planned highly urban and multi-
modal areas.
5.6.	 Reduce or remove parking minimums in the City Centre and 
key Urban Centres and Corridors, while improving bike and 
active transportation parking/storage and end-user facilities.
5.7.	 Eliminate minimum parking requirements for affordable 
housing built or operated by non-market housing providers 
in the City Centre or other key Centres and Corridors.
5.8.	 Advocate to other levels of government to prioritize their 
improvements to the multi-modal network in key growth 
areas, with a focus on the Modal Hierarchy. 
5.9.	 Work with other levels of government and external 
agencies, such as BC Transit, the Capital Regional District, 
the Sooke School District, and the Ministry of Transportation 
and Transit to align their long-term plans with this OCP, the 
Transportation Master Plan, and the Active Transportation 
Plan to collaboratively achieve the mode shift target, 
improve transportation system efficiency, and support 
climate-resilient mobility choices. (Bylaw No. 2292)
5.10.	Assist the CRD in meeting the Regional Growth Strategy’s 
2038 target by aligning, where possible, key policies, plans, 
and bylaws.
5.11.	Prioritize transportation investments that support mode 
shift, reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas 
emissions, and improve the climate resiliency of the 
transportation network. (Bylaw No. 2292)
5.12.	Support transportation improvements that enhance the 
efficient movement of people and goods while maintaining 
safety, accessibility, and mobility choice. (Bylaw No. 2292)
Multi-modal 
infrastructure 
Streets, paths, and public 
spaces designed to support 
different ways of getting 
around—like walking, biking, 
taking the bus, and driving.

CITY OF LANGFORD OCP   |   BYLAW NO. 2200
21
PART 5: Mobility Choice, Not Car Dependency
5.13.	 Create a complete active transportation 
network of corridors, that are physically 
separated from vehicular traffic where possible, 
to link neighbourhoods to Urban Centres and 
Corridors, transit hubs, and regional active 
transportation corridors.
5.14.	 Improve the existing Galloping Goose and 
E&N Rail Trail corridors by supporting paving 
initiatives and street crossing visibility 
improvements at major road network crossings. 
5.15.	 Wherever possible, the principles of AAA 
(all ages and abilities) infrastructure will be 
applied to the design of new streets, and when 
retrofitting existing streets. 
5.16.	 Strategically implement traffic diversion 
strategies that allow for pedestrian and cycling 
passage but not vehicles. 
5.17.	 Improve safety measures along streets 
and intersections by ensuring adequate 
lighting, incorporating raised crossings where 
appropriate, ensuring audio and visual signals 
to indicate safe crossing, and other similar 
measures where warranted.
5.18.	 Enhance wayfinding signage across the city to 
help residents and visitors navigate key areas 
and landmarks more easily.
Desired Outcome #2: Langford will have an integrated multi-modal 
transportation network that serves all ages and abilities.
2
5.19.	 Ensure accessible parking and loading spaces 
are appropriately dimensioned to accommodate 
different types of accessible vehicles, 
are located near building entrances, and 
incorporate ramps or let-downs to ensure safe 
and convenient access from the parking space 
to sidewalks and pathways.
5.20.	 Implement traffic calming strategies consistent 
with the intended function of the street. 
5.21.	 Where appropriate, implement traffic calming 
measures that use design techniques to reduce 
vehicle traffic speeds and discourage through-
traffic while improving safe and direct passage 
for other users. 
5.22.	 Ensure safe interactions between all modes 
along streets and at intersections. Where 
volumes and conflicts are high, prioritize 
physical separations where possible. 
5.23.	 Improve active transportation facilities 
by such means as reducing unnecessary 
barriers, increasing convenient and prioritized 
opportunities for crossing busy roads safely, and 
providing direct routes where possible. 
5.24.	 Work with neighbouring municipalities 
and other levels of government to align 
improvements to the multi-modal network to 
create a seamless transition for all street users 
as they cross municipal borders and different 
jurisdictions.
5.25.	 Prioritize connectivity for multi-modal 
transportation between North and South 
Langford.

CITY OF LA

The bylaw continues in the official PDF.