Update: Coun. Lillian Szpak has changed her mind and is now running for re-election on Oct. 15, 2022.
After 20 years at the council table in Langford, Lillian Szpak has announced she isn’t running in this fall’s civic election.
“This has been the most rewarding and challenging work I have ever done,” Szpak said.
“It’s been a tremendous honour to have served Langford all these years. However, I believe it’s important to make room for fresh faces around the council table.”
Szpak serves as chair of Langford’s protective services committee and vice-chair of the administration and finance committee. She also represents Langford on the Regional Water Supply Commission and Juan de Fuca Water Distribution Commission, the Capital Regional Services Telecommunications Board (CREST) and is the city liaison to the Inter-Municipal Committee on Disability Issues.
She has often sparred with Mayor Stew Young and other councillors over environmental, growth and transportation issues.
During the past term, Szpak said there has been a groundswell of requests from Langford residents, and she suggested some wishlist items.
“[Residents] say they would love to see large, open green spaces for throwing a Frisbee, games of catch or kicking a ball,” Szpak said in a statement.
“How about skate board parks, urban forests for wandering at will, more trails to access country in the city, protected cycling lanes, sidewalks everywhere, support for grass roots arts and culture, hometown community celebrations, co-operative housing, more attention to social issues and the list goes on.”
She said residents are concerned by Langford’s rate of growth and its impact. “We need to commit to regular conversations with our community in scheduled town halls … because we are at a crossroads, we need to decide together what kind of city Langford needs to be 20 years from now.
“I believe Langford needs a plan for growth. I also believe we need to hit the pause button in the coming term and review the direction we are taking.”
