Langford council and the Island Corridor Foundation announced plans for a new park on the railroad land at Station Avenue in downtown Langford. Phase one B次元官网网址� a parking lot and dog park B次元官网网址� should be ready by this fall.
An eyesore for the apartment buildings on either side, the 500-metre corridor is overrun with Scotch broom and Langford Mayor Stew Young said it has been a destination for overnight camping and crime. Residents and local business owners have wanted something to be done here for a long time, he said.
The city will take on a 30-year lease from the Island Corridor Foundation and develop it into a public-use area with up to $1 million in funding from the Union of B.C. MunicipalitiesB次元官网网址� Gas Tax Fund.
Artist's rendering of the Station Avenue park in Langford. (City of Langford image)
ALSO READ: Langford looks to strike out on its own for emergency fire dispatch services
The second phase will include huts for artisans or small businesses that the city envisions as a stepping stone for new businesses to test their concept before committing to a long-term leased space. There are also plans for food trucks and an informal stage for performing arts. Phase two will be under construction by spring 2022.
B次元官网网址淲e need to find the little jewels in our community and fix them up,B次元官网网址� Young said.
The roughly five-acre strip of land between Veterans Memorial Parkway and Peatt Road is padded by Station Avenue and the E&N Trail on either side. Part of the area is currently used as a park and ride.
Young said the development is in alignment with LangfordB次元官网网址檚 hopes for rail service to resume sometime in the future. The more density that develops in the downtown core, the more viable trains become, he added.
Parks such as this one are part of YoungB次元官网网址檚 plan to bring culture to Langford along with all the density and development. He also hinted that a performing arts theatre will be announced soon.
ALSO READ: Langford sets sights on cultural development
Do you have a story tip? Email: zoe.ducklow@blackpress.ca.
Follow us on and and like us on
