More than 40 acres of popular Langford trails and lakefront land permanently protected

Some of Langford’s best-known hiking trails, mountain biking routes and lakefront greenspace will remain open to the public for generations to come.

The City of Langford has secured the permanent dedication of approximately 40 acres surrounding the Gravity Zone and Nature Trails, along with another three acres of waterfront property at Lakepoint Park.

Through agreements with Westhills Land Corp., both properties will become public parkland and will be protected from future development.

“This parkland dedication is a lasting investment in Langford’s future,” said Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson.

“As the community continues to grow, protecting these lands means residents will continue to have equitable and accessible opportunities to connect with nature, enjoy outdoor recreation, and experience the natural beauty that surrounds us.”

Lakepoint Park provides public access to Langford Lake, including a swimming platform and a connecting section of the Ed Nixon Trail.

The three-acre waterfront property is also home to critical habitat for the endangered Western Painted Turtle.

According to the City, ecological design and habitat enhancement work has been completed to establish and protect turtle nesting and basking areas while reducing impacts from human activity and predators.

As part of rezoning requirements, Westhills also constructed several public amenities at the park, including an accessible floating pier, picnic tables, seating, garbage receptacles, bike racks and improved lake access.

The Gravity Zone and Nature Trails have meanwhile become a popular destination for hiking and mountain biking.

The trail network includes routes for several skill levels, forested paths beneath mature trees and viewpoints overlooking the surrounding area.

“We are thrilled to see more than 40 acres of land, including key areas around Langford Lake, the Gravity Zone and Nature Trails, and Parkdale Creek, become part of the City’s public park inventory,” said Kyle Taylor, a representative for Westhills Land Corp.

“Residents have enjoyed these lands for years, and we are proud to help ensure they remain accessible, protected, and valued into the future.”

Westhills has now transferred more than 100 acres of parkland and public open space to the City of Langford.

Those lands include playgrounds, neighbourhood parks, trails, wetlands, outdoor recreation facilities and environmentally significant natural areas.

The latest additions support priorities identified in Langford’s first Parks and Trails Master Plan, which calls for the city to expand recreational opportunities and preserve public access to nature as the community continues to grow.