Langford’s Centennial Centre for Arts, Culture and Community will soon make way for housing and childcare facilities.
Owned and managed by West Shore Parks and Recreation, the centre at 2805 Carlow Rd. runs a number of music, dance and art workshops, plus a pottery studio.
But come early 2026, construction will begin at the centre’s site for 40 affordable housing units and a new childcare centre, which will be the home of 73 new “affordable” childcare spaces, funded by $7 million from the province.
Coun. Keith Yachuca said relocation of the facilities at the Centennial Centre will be discussed with West Shore Parks and Recreation, and it is hoped they will be kept in the downtown core of Langford.
News of the housing and childcare project has been welcomed by the City of Langford. "This is an area that needs spots for children," said Mayor Scott Goodmanson. "This area is all residential ... it is only going to get more densified as time goes, so having both the daycare at the bottom [of the building] and then the housing above, is going to be fantastic for present residents and future residents coming in."
It was announced Monday (March 24), the province was investing $62 million to create 750 new licensed childcare spaces across B.C., including in Langford. Also announced was the creation of 770 new $10-per-day childcare spaces.
According to Minister of Education and Child Care Lisa Beare, since 2018, 140 new childcare spaces have been introduced in Langford. And the city has benefited from over $37 million invested into reducing childcare fees.
“So that's money back in families' pockets, which is huge, that makes a difference for families,” she said.
About the new Langford development, Beare described the housing and childcare boost as an exciting project that will involve the collaboration of the city, community and developers.
“I look forward to seeing this project take root here in the community because we know how important it is to have safe, reliable, affordable childcare for families everywhere,” said Beare.
Located steps away from Spencer Middle School, where he attended as a student “not so long ago,” the project has struck a chord with Langford-Highlands MLA Ravi Parmar, who said the growth in the West Shore’s population has created a “need for infrastructure.”
“What’s really exciting … is this is really such an important corridor for Langford … This is an incredible area seeing a lot of growth, and with growth, responsibility is needed to be able to manage that,” he said.
But the MLA is not resting on his laurels, he wants more for the city he calls “the best place on earth.”
“We are just getting started – more schools, more investments in Langford, in this incredible region,” said Parmar.
