In an innovative approach to city planning, Langford is inviting its residents to shape the future of their community - all while enjoying free hot dogs and bouncy castles.

The City of Langford is hosting a free Community Fun Day on Wednesday, Aug.21 at Happy Valley Elementary School. But this isn't just another summer festival. Behind the face painting and inflatable disco lies a serious purpose: gathering community input for the city's ambitious growth plans.

Langford is actively preparing for a future population of 100,000 people, a significant increase from its current size. To ensure this growth aligns with residents' visions and values, the city is refreshing its Official Community Plan (OCP).

"The voice of every Langford resident matters," said Mayor Scott Goodmanson. "Through engagement initiatives, we're offering residents a direct say in how the city will evolve in the next few years."

The Community Fun Day will feature a pop-up stall where residents can discuss their ideas for Langford's future with city staff. This hands-on approach to community engagement is part of the city's broader public engagement strategy, aptly named "Let's Plan Langford. Together".

"We want to hear the various ideas and aspirations from community members to plan for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient community together," Goodmanson explained. "It's about creating a city where everyone can thrive."

The strategy behind combining civic engagement with family fun is clear: make participation accessible and enjoyable for all residents. By offering free activities and food (including vegan and gluten-free options), Langford is removing potential barriers to participation and creating a welcoming environment for all community members to share their thoughts on the city's future.

This event follows a successful Community Fun Day held in July, proving that Langford is committed to an engaging approach to city planning. The city is also encouraging residents to participate in an OCP Refresh survey, open until Sept. 15, providing multiple avenues for community input.