"THE BEST VISION IS INSIGHT"
Malcolm Forbes
benefits of diverse
RECREATION
Recreation has always been a big part of Lanny’s life, beginning with playing softball at Centennial Park and where he volunteered with his Dad to build the bleachers. “The field was all gravel at that time and the team had to rake the rocks out before playing a game of ball. “No grass back then” Lanny says.
Lanny has also played and coached softball and hockey, and currently plays hockey twice a week when time permits.
As Chair of Parks, Recreation, Cultural, and Beautification Committee, Lanny initiated an inventory of parks to determine possible future needs, gaps, and opportunities for upgrading. Open houses were held and the public was invited to provide input and indicate their preferences. From that process it became very clear that their priorities include Performing Arts and Cultural Centre, pool, and another ice arena. The public also wants more access to the lakes and upgrades and expansions of existing parks and trails. ”I have my work cut out for me now, “Lanny says with a grin.
Langford always looks for partnerships and applies for matching grants wherever possible. Lanny proudly says,
“I am always looking for ways to leverage tax dollars to offset the cost to our taxpayer.”
making a difference for
Our Students
Lanny took advantage of every opportunity to convince the government to accept the business plan developed by SD62 to sell the Belmont property and build a new secondary school near City Centre Park.
Lanny also worked hard to get the joint use agreement with SD62 so students can use the facilities at City Centre Park during school hours, and the public and sports groups can use them at night and on the weekends and holidays.
“There is only one taxpayer when it comes to building schools and public facilities. It just makes sense to partner with the school district. We want to have the best possible education for our kids. They are our future.”
Lanny recognizes that there are exciting, yet significant adjustments ahead for our students. He looks forward to seeing students thrive within their new facilities and will endeavour to support their interests in future.
OUR GREAT
OUTDOORS
Lanny is adamant that when increases and upgrades are made to our infrastructure in Langford, there must be new parks created or upgrades must be made to existing parks. An example of this is Glen Lake Park with addition of a water park, playground, washrooms, and improvements to the beach.
Also, when developing areas of land for housing or industrial expansion, care for the environment is a priority for Lanny. An example is the new aerator in Langford Lake that Lanny helped to organize. Another example is the involvement Lanny had in the policy to make it mandatory that for every tree removed, two must planted.
Currently Langford has 865.6 Hectares of parkland and 3.46km in new trails. In addition, 1037 new trees have been planted since 2011, mostly in areas such as boulevards and new parks.
Parks and outdoor space are a passion for Lanny, particularly the two all-weather fields at City Centre Park. These fields are used by a variety of teams such as soccer, rugby, and football all year round, even when other fields are closed due to the rainy season. ”Games can be rescheduled but not so easy to do for the practice. We need the fields open so our kids don’t miss their practice before the game because the fields are too wet” Lanny says.
developing our
ECONOMY
Lanny’s focus is to keep taxes low and money in the pockets of people, so that they can spend it locally in our community. This will keep our economy vibrant, supports local businesses, and encourages the creation of more jobs, especially for our young people.
Langford is always on the lookout for partnerships opportunities and applies for grants whenever possible. This leverages tax dollars and offset the costs to the taxpayer. Partnerships with Rugby Canada and the YMCA are examples of the way projects are efficiently done n Langford.
The Stadium and new Training Centre for Rugby Canada provides an economic benefit to Langford by bringing such as events as The Americas Cup Rugby Tournament. Also, Langford Lanes, Eagle Ridge Centre, and Westhills Arena have hosted many events. Many spectators and participants now come to Langford as a destination, to stay in our hotels, go shopping, and enjoy all our beautiful city has to offer.
The new YMCA Centre will open in 2016 and will include a Greater Victoria Public Library Branch, Weight room, Daycare and Activity Centre. All of these beautiful facilities and parks provide amenities that will attract employees and future businesses when looking to locate in Langford.
Another future possibility is a Performing Arts and Cultural Centre. Lanny says, “The public clearly identified a Performing Arts and Cultural Centre as something that is missing. It is a very high priority for me as well. We are looking for partners and funding now.”
