Tenants of a manufactured home park will be moving out to make way for a new urban park in downtown Langford.
Woodlands Park, located at 848 Hockley Ave., has been purchased by the city for $9.8 million, which is “significantly less” than its appraised value of $18.125 million, says the city in a news release.
The acquisition will allow the city to enhance its downtown core by adding over six acres of green space, which they say will help address the need for additional parks, trails, and open space in Langford’s downtown.
Operation of the site, which currently houses 45 manufactured homes, will be “respectfully” wound down over the next five years.
“A robust set of supports for existing tenants of Woodlands Park, that exceeds the requirements of the provincial Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act,” has been approved by the city to assist tenants with the transition.
"Tenants will have the option of continuing to reside in Woodlands Park for up to five years, until Jan. 31, 2030, at which time the city will purchase each manufactured home for the assessed value plus 10 per cent, should the tenant not be able to or want to relocate their manufactured home," said a city spokesperson.
If they require an earlier move, tenants can also request the city purchase their manufactured home at any time over the next five years at the assessed value, plus 10 per cent.
An annual budget of up to $1 million will be set aside for the city to purchase the homes.
A dedicated tenant liaison service has been appointed by the city to assist tenants throughout the process.
Privately operated as a manufactured home park for almost 60 years and stewarded by longtime Langford residents Ralph Stoerzer and Laura Kiehl, Woodlands Park features mature trees, botanical flower beds and tranquil winding pathways.
This transfer of land reflects Stoerzer’s and Kiehl’s vision and desire to leave a lasting legacy for the residents of Langford, while meeting their need to retire and plan for their next phase of life, said the city. A donation receipt will be issued by the city to the operators of $8.325 million – the difference between the appraised value and the purchase price.
“Ralph and Laura’s vision and significant contribution to the community will create an accessible urban oasis that benefits both current and future generations,” said Mayor Scott Goodmanson. “This once-in-a-generation initiative will transform Langford’s downtown by adding much-needed green space, trails and gardens while preserving the biodiversity and mature tree canopy for residents to enjoy.
“I look forward to Woodlands Park providing year-round opportunities for friends and family to come together with nature in Langford’s downtown core.”
The city anticipates the restoration of Woodlands Park will begin in the spring of 2030 and will include additional trails and gardens, open green space, decorative fountains, landscaped ponds, picnic areas and playgrounds.
“Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, VanDusen Botanical Gardens in Vancouver, and the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle will provide inspiration for the future design of Woodlands Park,” said the city spokesperson.
The purchase was unanimously approved by Langford council at an in-camera meeting in December.
The city will fund $7 million of the $9.8 million purchase price through the Growing Communities Fund, a provincial grant received in March 2023.
"In addition to the $1 million to be budgeted annually for tenant supports between 2025-2029, the remainder of the purchase price, along with the future transformation of the urban park in 2030, will require an additional tax increase of approximately 1.75 per cent in 2029," said the city.
Langford will consider the first three readings of a Park Dedication Bylaw for Woodlands Park on Jan. 13.
This bylaw will designate the land as a permanent "green oasis" in the downtown core of Langford.
