LANGFORD
City partners with SD62 on future high school amenities

On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the Sooke School District announced the approval from the Ministry of Education and Child Care to proceed with the preparation of a business case proposal for a secondary school in the City of Langford. During the same announcement, Langford Council announced its commitment for a full-size turf field and lights for the future high school. In addition to the full-size turf field, Langford Council indicated a strong interest in exploring a partnership with the District for a large-scale performing arts theatre on the new school site.

"Schools in the District are well beyond capacity, putting pressure on students, parents, and educators. Langford is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, and we are grateful to the Province for their ongoing commitment to building additional schools in Langford to ensure students have the space they need," said Scott Goodmanson, Mayor of Langford. "Council is committed to partnering in the construction of a full-sized turf field and lights at the future secondary school to ensure the school has the facilities it needs to support the number of students and, at the same time, provide a new amenity for the wider community." 

Within the footprint of the future school, the addition of a theatre is being considered, not only to host graduation ceremonies but large enough to attract world-class theatre productions and concert performances. The City of Langford is enthusiastic to be part of that process. The development of an Arts and Culture Master Plan is articulated in the City's first Strategic Plan. The outcomes of this plan will provide a clear direction from the community as to the vision for arts and culture in Langford.

Also detailed in the Strategic Plan is the importance of collaborative advocacy work in the community. When the service is the responsibility of another level of government, agency, or community partner, such as education, the City has a responsibility to advocate to and partner with those organizations wherever possible. As Langford's population continues to rapidly grow, and complex and diverse challenges continue to emerge, advocacy will play a critical part in guiding Langford's future. Increasing the number of schools in Langford is one of these core advocacy areas.

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For more information on the City of Langford Strategic Plan visit: Langford.ca/Strategic-Plan