Emboldened by the motto "Golden in setting, determined in Spirit," Langford leaders have led the community into rapid growth over the past few decades.

The city, since its incorporation on Dec. 8, 1992, has grown to a population of over 45,000. Statistics Canada has marked it as one of the fastest-growing communities in the country.

Of course, locals have varied opinions on the changes. Goldstream Gazette took to the streets to talk to residents who have been here for both a long and short time, about what changes they've seen and what their favourite part is about living in Langford. Here is what they had to say.

Gary Muir from Calgary moved to Langford five years ago and said he loves it

As a carpenter and tradesman, Muir finds living in Langford advantageous due to having everything he needs out here B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·“ including his favourite store, Home Depot, the amount of work available, and how central it is considering he sometimes works in Millstream, Sooke or Victoria.

It's also close to beautiful natural spaces, which he appreciates. 

"[I have] a strong Scottish name, and it's actually prevalent out here. There's Muir Creek just up that way. My first experience out here on this Island, I caught two big salmon right in front of Muir Creek, right in front of my namesake. A 27 and a 23-pounder. Huge. You can't do that everywhere."

He also loves the Langford Station market that runs from Thursday to Sunday year-round. It features local artists, food trucks, retailers and music. "It's just awesome."

While he is frustrated by the lack of parking in Langford, he feels positive about the new development happening. "I understand that it's necessary. I like it, because I'm a tradesman, so that means work for me."

Mike Gravelle and Sean le Gras started West Shore Barber Shop in 2005

When we caught up with Gravelle, he was in the middle of giving someone a haircut. We asked him, 'What's your favourite thing about Langford?' and the man in his chair pitched in, "The customers". Gravelle chuckled and said, "You know what, that's right. It's my type of people that live out here. There's a good variety of people, too."

Gravelle and business partner le Gras "knew that Langford would be an up-and-coming place" and that's what initially drew them to it.

"When we opened up here, this was the second big building in Langford. There was a City Hall building and this one. Every other four-plus-story building you see in Langford happened after we moved here. 

"My thoughts are, 'you can't stop it', right? So, you have to embrace it. I always say that B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·“ and I'm not saying we're going to end up like New York City B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·“ but I would imagine if you go back far enough in time, the biggest building in New York City was two stories tall, right? Now it's a metropolis. So, it's just what happens."

"And you know what? Selfishly, the more things that come here, the more potential business we get."

 Jordan Allard is also pleased with the big changes he's seen in just over a decade

As Black Press catches up with Allard, he's walking home after work. That convenience is his favourite part of living in Langford.

"I think my single favourite thing is that I can walk all the places I like."

And how has he seen Langford change since he moved here?

"There's been a lot more businesses moving in and housing developments. Even outside of my house, they've set up two new apartment buildings. Right now they're actually putting in more sidewalk on my street and filling all the holes that had been there. I'm seeing a lot of good changes personally."

Taylor Gbur, a father, said Langford suits his family

"I used to live in Gordon Head, so I suppose it's safer out here. We've got kids, so it's a little better for that. There are parks and stuff for kids. It's really family-centric here for sure." B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·‹B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·‹

 Rachel Dunphy and dog Ginger just moved to Langford in July 2022. How do her perceptions compare?

"I've seen a lot of buildings going up, a lot of trees coming down, which is a little sad, I think. And it's gotten a lot hotter in our area; we're just over above the library and it's sweltering hot on the top floor. It would be nice to see more trees."

"But it's really multicultural and it's really friendly. I love seeing all these new cultures come. And I think we're thriving but we do have to figure out how we're going to organize the downtown core because it will be really congested once that school is done."

Suzanne Wallence has lived in Langford 15 years and still loves it

"It's an open area. People are friendly. There's easy access to everything," said Wallence, who moved from Victoria. "I really like it. It's much more peaceful, it's much friendlier. Everything's so convenient."