Langford residents are getting nearly 40 acres of new parkland that will have forested trails and a designated rock-climbing area.
The city is expected to receive the land in the coming weeks as part of its agreement with the Westhills Land Corporation, which is building about 5,000 homes on 500 acres south of Langford Lake.
The green space includes a 3.5-acre parcel connecting elements of the Jordie Lunn Bike Park, which is set to open on April 1, as well as 35 acres of mixed forest and rock crags on the east side of Westshore Parkway.
The larger chunk of forested land will have trail connections to residential areas and a section of cliffs designated for rock climbers.
“It’s one of the best spots to climb on the South Island, so to have it in a park is great news,” said Haj Bains, president of the South Island Climbers Association. “What it does is take a lot of pressure and traffic off the Mount Wells climbing area. It opens up a new area in a park and opens our sport to new climbers.”
Bains said the Westhills cliffs features about 50 vertical feet “with good quality rock structure” and challenging routes.
“Langford has been amazing to work with on this and we appreciate their efforts to bring it into a park,” he said.
Bains said rock climbing has grown substantially over the years and interest is spiking during the pandemic as more people look for outdoor activities.
The association was formed more than a year ago in co-operation with the Capital Regional District to identify prime areas for the pastime. Bains said there are more than 20 cliff areas currently being used by climbers in the CRD.
Langford Mayor Stew Young said the project will add to the existing 2,167 acres of park and recreational land within the municipal boundaries and aligns with council’s commitment to protecting green space for residents’ use.
“Getting outside for recreational purposes and exercise has never been more important as we navigate these stressful and uncertain times,” Young said. “Residents will now have another large area of green space for exploration. These lands are perfect for all ages and physical abilities, whether residents want to hike, bike or use these lands for educational reasons, this land will be there for generations to enjoy.”
Ryan McKenzie, manager of Westhills Land Corp., said the company is dedicated to giving Langford 40 per cent of its 500 acres for green space. The massive subdivision, which includes housing, a commercial developments and recreational facilities such as the Westhills YMCA, is about a third of the way through its planned build out, he said.
“There will be more land for green space in the future,” he said. “We are proud to dedicate this land to Langford and continue to work with the council and staff to create diverse recreational amenities.”
Over the coming months, Langford staff will develop an extensive trail network and wayfinding plan for the lands.
A portion of 3.5 acres at the Jordie Lunn Bike Park includes jump areas and tracks as well as a riparian area around the park.
It is being described as a one-of-a-kind recreational cycling facility that caters to cyclists of all ages and abilities, combining elements of dirt jumping, a pump track, skills area and cyclocross/mountain bike trails.
The park is named in memory of world-renowned Vancouver Island mountain biker Jordie Lunn, who died in 2019 after a riding accident in Mexico.
A clubhouse for the park is planned for 2022 with washrooms, showers, community meeting space, a concession and bike repair and rental space.
The Jordie Lunn Bike Park is built in partnership with the Wheelhouse Cycling Society.
