MeetingsTue, Dec 17, 20242h 35m2022–2026 Council
Special Council
Summary
- Approved purchase of Westhills Aquatic Centre, up to $35M; $20M loan, five-year repayment (amid public opposition)
- Directed staff to enforce remedial cleanup at 840 Arncote Avenue; asbestos contamination declared, owner has 30 days
- Endorsed the Economic Development Plan RFP scope of work; staff to issue RFP for five-year plan
- Adopted Station Avenue fees and charges bylaw, updating food truck, incubator and studio fees (Bylaw 2187)
Decisions
What council voted on, in agenda order.
Approved purchase of Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre for up to $35,000,000 and directed financial-plan inclusion.
9.1 · Potential Purchase of Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre
Vote 7–0Moved by Yacucha, seconded by SzpakDeclared 840 Arncote Avenue unsafe and nuisance, imposed remedial order, directed staff to notify owner.
9.2 · Correcting Nuisance Conditions - 840 Arncote Avenue
Vote 7–0Moved by Szpak, seconded by GuiryEndorsed the Economic Development Plan RFP scope of work.
9.3 · Economic Development Strategy
Vote 7–0Moved by Yacucha, seconded by WagnerAdopted the Station Avenue fees and charges amendment.
10.1 · Bylaw No. 2187
Vote 7–0Moved by Yacucha, seconded by Harder
Agenda
13 items · select one for details, debate and documents
Summary
The Mayor called the meeting to order.
Summary
The Territorial Acknowledgement was read.
Summary
Meeting conduct rules were read to attendees.
Summary
Council approved the agenda as presented.
Motions (1)
THAT Council approve the agenda as presented.
Summary
Members of the public spoke both in opposition and support of the potential purchase of the Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre; Council moved to extend the public participation period for first-time speakers.
Who spoke (22)
- Joel (Langford)Opposes · Aquatic Centre purchase
Opposes buying the centre, citing high taxes and competing needs, and recommends 25-year amortization if the purchase proceeds. - Vic Daniels (Gade Road)Opposes · Aquatic Centre purchase
Opposes the purchase, citing tax burdens and operating costs, and calls for a strategic review and taxpayer referendum. - Brian White (Langford)Supports · Aquatic Centre purchase
Supports acquiring the building as a significant municipal asset that could benefit Langford over the long term. - David A. Lott (Langford)Opposes · Aquatic Centre purchase
Opposes the purchase as costly and risky, urging council to prioritize infrastructure, services, and established community recreation groups. - M. Wignall (Langford)Mixed · Aquatic Centre purchase
Supports keeping the centre operating but opposes a rushed purchase, calling for a referendum and 25-year amortization. - Wendy Hobbs (Luxton Highway)Opposes · Aquatic Centre purchase
Opposes the purchase because of its tax burden, questions council’s legal rationale, and urges consideration of other municipal costs. - Harold Blumenthal (Callwood)Concerned · Recreation funding
Warns that the purchase could limit funding and space for youth sports, and asks council to find a way to fund facilities concurrently. - Raymond Glenn (South Langford)Asks · Aquatic Centre purchase
Asks council to extend the decision period, hold a referendum, and let residents decide whether to purchase the pool. - Ian Taylor (Turnstyle Crescent)Concerned · Recreation funding
Warns that purchasing the centre could divert funds from team-sport facilities and asks council to put the decision to a referendum. - Mike Morton (Langford)Opposes · Aquatic Centre purchase
Questions the purchase process and due diligence, citing competing recreation needs and potential long-term costs for residents. - Pal GrangerMixed · Recreation funding
Supports recreation but urges consultation, a referendum, and longer amortization to preserve funding for other community facilities. - Glenn Willing (Langford)Concerned · Aquatic Centre purchase
Warns that the purchase would impose a major tax burden amid economic uncertainty and says continuing the existing agreement is manageable. - Brian Cualco (Langford)Mixed · Recreation funding
Supports more recreation facilities but warns against sacrificing youth sports funding for the purchase, especially given growing demand for ice time. - Bernadette Armstrong (Rodney Road)Mixed · Aquatic Centre and regional recreation
Supports keeping the building and pool available, while urging broader cost-sharing and a regional recreation-facilities strategy. - Scott Barry (Langford)Concerned · Aquatic Centre purchase
Questions excluding discussion of YMCA operations and argues that longer amortization could free funds for other recreation projects. - Diana Seaton (Glenlake Road)Opposes · Aquatic Centre purchase
Argues the current lease should remain, questions the purchase’s financial rationale, and calls for a full operational review and timely disclosure. - S. Ross Sander (Langford)Opposes · Aquatic Centre financing
Opposes five-year financing and urges a referendum on financing the purchase over five years or a longer period. - Lisa Foxall (Langford)Opposes · Aquatic Centre financing
Opposes five-year financing, citing missing operating and maintenance information, and urges a referendum or longer amortization. - W. Bowers (Langford)Opposes · Aquatic Centre purchase
Opposes a rushed purchase, questions the assumed total cost, and asks council to obtain more information and listen to residents. - L. Plomp (Langford)Supports · Aquatic Centre purchase
Supports addressing municipal asset-management costs now rather than passing additional debt to future generations. - A residentAsks · Aquatic Centre financing
Calls for the project to be spread out and put to a referendum, warning that the recommended option would burden residents. - S. Seifert (Langford)Opposes · Aquatic Centre purchase
Opposes the rushed purchase and five-year borrowing, arguing that funds could support other facilities and asking council to reconsider.
Summarized from the meeting video. Names use checked registry spellings; unconfirmed names appear as “A resident”.
Motions (1)
THAT Council at 7:44 pm extend the Public Participation - Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre Only (YW/YMCA) for first time speakers.
Summary
General public participation period; speakers commented on items on the agenda (notably item 9.2).
Who spoke (9)
- Wendy Hobbs (Luxton Highway)Asks · Rezoning conditions
Requests a rezoning clause requiring developers to demolish vacant houses and clear debris when development is delayed. - Jasmine Hernandez (Sunderland Road)Concerned · Derelict properties and enforcement
Welcomes bylaw action but raises ongoing dumping and debris at vacant properties owned by the developer. - L PlumpAsks · Derelict property enforcement
Asks whether inspection costs can be recovered, future demolitions prevented, and project approval reconsidered. - Normal JoelConcerned · 840 Arncott Avenue
Criticizes the year-long delay and urges council to address garbage and hazards at the property. - B. Armstrong (Rodney Road)Asks · Derelict property enforcement
Seeks clarification on next steps for enforcing regulations at Sunderland, Arncott, and other neglected properties. - Ashley Hilderson (Arncott Avenue)Concerned · Arncott Avenue property
Reports rodents, garbage, and asbestos and lead concerns, and asks for action on the demolished property. - Darlene (Arncott Avenue)Concerned · Arncott Avenue property
Urges quick action on the property and other vacant lots, citing junk, rodents, and impacts on residents. - Bev SolstromConcerned · Arncott Avenue property
Questions council’s plans for Arncott and other affected areas and expresses concern about the aquatic-centre purchase. - M. WignalMixed · Arncott Avenue and economic development
Supports stronger cleanup efforts at 840 Arncott and economic development, citing neighbourhood impacts and business safety concerns.
Summarized from the meeting video. Names use checked registry spellings; unconfirmed names appear as “A resident”.
Summary
Council adopted the consent agenda, including the minutes of the Special Council Meeting and Council Meeting of December 2, 2024.
Motions (1)
THAT Council adopt the recommendations for each item of the Consent Agenda as presented.
Summary
No items were removed from the consent agenda.
Summary
Council approved the purchase of the Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre and adjacent parking lands for up to $35,000,000 and authorized related borrowing and financial plan inclusions.
Financial impact
$35,000,000— Authorize up to $20,000,000 borrowing from the Municipal Finance Authority; include purchase and funding in the 2025-2029 Five Year Financial Plan
Motions (1)
WHEREAS, local governments provide recreational services to the public, either directly or through a third party; WHEREAS the City of Langford entered into a long-term tripartite agreement with Westhills Land Corporation and the YW/YMCA to provide public funding in support of the operation of the Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre; WHEREAS Westhills Land Corp., owner of the Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre, wishes to transfer ownership of the Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre and the City wishes to ensure the continued public access to this important recreational asset; and WHEREAS the City has fully explored the risks, benefits and long-term rewards, and has provided significant public input opportunities; NOW THEREFORE, it is hereby resolved that Council approve the purchase of the Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre and the adjacent parking lands for a purchase price not to exceed $35,000,000 and authorize the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer or Corporate Officer to execute all documents necessary to complete the purchase. AND THAT Council direct staff to include this purchase and corresponding funding sources and funding requirements within the 2025-2029 Five Year Financial Plan as outlined in the presentation by Colliers and staff. AND THAT Council of the City of Langford authorizes up to $20,000,000 be borrowed, under Section 175 of the Community Charter, from the Municipal Finance Authority, for the purpose of the purchase of the Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre and the adjacent parking lands; AND THAT that the loan be repaid within five (5) years, with no rights of renewal.
Documents (1)
Staff report responding to public questions and recommending that Council approve purchase of the Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre and adjacent parking lands, up to a specified price.
Proposed Purchase of Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre
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Page 19–23EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
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Page 19–23BACKGROUND:
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Page 19–23COMMENTARY:
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Page 19–23FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
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Page 19–23LEGAL IMPLICATIONS:
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Page 19–23OPTIONS:
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Page 19–23SUBMITTED BY:
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Page 19–23Summary
Council declared 840 Arncote Avenue a nuisance and unsafe due to contaminated demolition waste, imposed a Remedial Action Order, and directed staff to notify the owner and charge holders.
Location
840 Arncote Avenue
Motions (1)
a. THAT Council declares the "Property" having a civic address of 840 Arncote Avenue, Langford BC and legally described as LOT 3, SECTION 111, ESQUIMALT DISTRICT, PLAN 10901 [005-052-254] (the "Property") to be a nuisance pursuant to Section 74(1) and Section 74(2) of the Community Charter, due to accumulations of contaminated and combustible building demolition waste, rubbish and debris; AND b. THAT Council declares the "Property" having a civic address at 840 Arncote Avenue, Langford BC and legally described as LOT 3, SECTION 111, ESQUIMALT DISTRICT, PLAN 10901 [005-052-254] (the "Property") is in an unsafe condition due to accumulations of contaminated and combustible building demolition waste, including asbestos, lead paints and other debris on the site and is therefore a hazard pursuant to section 73 of the Community Charter; AND c. That Council impose a Remedial Action Order in the form as attached, subject to any revisions recommended by legal counsel: AND d. THAT Council direct staff to notify the "Property Owner" and any registered charge holders of these declarations and the requirement contained in Council's Remedial Action Order that they as the Property Owner, must work to remove all rubbish, debris and accumulations of combustible demolition waste containing environmental contaminants, and that if such remedial action is not completed by the Owner to correct the nuisance and hazard within 30 days of Council's Remedial Action Order being served on the "Property Owner," the City, by its staff and others, will enter the Property to complete the required work at the Owner's expense pursuant to section 17 of the Community Charter; AND e. THAT Council direct staff to notify the Property Owner that as a person subject to the requirement of the Remedial Action Order, they may request reconsideration by Council in accordance with section 78 of the Community Charter.
Documents (3)
Staff report recommending Council declare 840 Arncote Avenue a nuisance and hazard and issue a Remedial Action Order requiring cleanup (or allowing the City to remediate and recover costs).
Correcting Nuisance Conditions – 840 Arncote Avenue - Part 1 of 2
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Page 24–29Correcting Nuisance Conditions – 840 Arncote Avenue - Part 2 of 2
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Page 24–29TerraWest limited hazardous building materials assessment (LHBMA) of demolition debris at 840 Arncote Avenue (site visit Oct 18, 2024), documenting asbestos and lead-containing materials and providing abatement recommendations.
Limited Hazardous Building Materials Assessment — 840 Arncote Avenue, Langford, BC
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Page 30–54Executive Summary
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Page 30–54Hazardous Materials Summary
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Page 30–54Table of Contents
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Page 30–541.0 Introduction
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Page 30–542.0 Scope of Work
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Page 30–543.0 Building Description
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Page 30–544.0 Observations & Results
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Page 30–545.0 Recommendations
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Page 30–546.0 Limitations & Closure
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Page 30–54Figure
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Page 30–54Appendix A — Site Photographs
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Page 30–54Appendix B — Methodology - Part 1 of 2
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Page 30–54Appendix B — Methodology - Part 2 of 2
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Page 30–54Appendix C — Regulatory Framework / References
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Page 30–54Attachments to the nuisance report comprising the proposed Remedial Action Order to compel cleanup at 840 Arncote Avenue and supporting site photographs.
Hazardous Building Materials Assessment
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Page 55–66APPENDIX D
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Page 55–66Lead in Paint — EMSL Test Report
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Page 55–66ASBESTOS CONTENT — NIOSH 9002 / AIHA Lab# 296538
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Page 55–66SCHEDULE B
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Page 55–66Summary
Council endorsed the Economic Development Plan RFP scope of work.
Motions (1)
THAT Council endorse the Economic Development Plan RFP scope of work as presented.
Documents (1)
Staff report presenting the City's Economic Development Strategy for Council consideration (listed in agenda as item 9.3).
Economic Development Strategy
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Page 67–72Executive Summary
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Page 67–72Background
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Page 67–72A Formalized Plan
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Page 67–72Commentary
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Page 67–72Scope of Work
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Page 67–72Financial Implications
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Page 67–72Legal Implications
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Page 67–72Strategic Plan Initiatives
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Page 67–72Options
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Page 67–72Submitted By
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Page 67–72Summary
Council adopted Bylaw No. 2187 (Station Avenue Fees and Charges amendment).
Motions (1)
THAT Council adopt Bylaw No. 2187.
Documents (1)
Text of Bylaw No. 2187 amending Station Avenue Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2010 (amendment #2) as listed on the agenda.
BYLAW NO. 2187 (Station Avenue Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment #2)
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Page 73Summary
Council adjourned the meeting.
Motions (1)
THAT Council adjourn the meeting.