At this week’s city council meeting, the City of Langford council voted unanimously to rename Ernhill Park after former council member Winnie Sifert.
According to the City, this park was specifically chosen to be named after Sifert because of the close proximity to the former council member’s neighbourhood.
The endeavour to rename a park in Sifert’s honour began in 2022, but was delayed due to the municipal election, but initially it was meant to be Kettle Creek Park, rather than Ernhill Park.
This matter was further delayed since the election, but is now going forward with the park that the Sifert family desires to be renamed.
In 2018, when Sifert left city council, she was diagnosed with dementia that has been progressing through the years.
“I would sincerely like to thank the community for their ongoing support and for the Langford Council finally resolving this longstanding matter that has affected our family so deeply,” said Sandy Sifert, daughter of former Council member Winnie Sifert.
Sifert served the council in Langford for 26-years, from 1992 to 2018 and made prolific contributions to the community for over four decades.
One major achievement that Sifert spearheaded was her advocacy for affordable housing and legalizing secondary suites, once the City incorporated in 1992.
“Winnie Sifert’s contributions to Langford have been nothing short of extraordinary. Since the City’s incorporation in 1992, and in the decades that followed, her dedication and compassion have significantly shaped Langford into what it is today. Renaming Ernhill Park in her honour is a fitting tribute,” said Scott Goodmanson, Mayor of Langford.
“I look forward to the official unveiling, where we will gather to celebrate Winnie and the positive impact she has had on our community.”
The park to be renamed is located at 2649 Ernhill Drive, and was rejuvenated in 2022 with updates including new playground equipment, benches, a walking path, a basketball court and a sports court.
Additionally, the park now includes a plaza area with built-in seating.
The land was dedicated to the Capital Regional District as a community park in 1984, and was subsequently donated to Langford, post-incorporation.
The City of Langford says that a formal park dedication event will be planned with the Sifert family in the coming weeks, and the public will be welcome to attend and join the celebrations.
