The Westhills lands
encompass 209 hectares (517 acres) of rolling sloped lands, knolls, and rocky
outcroppings and are located in the City of Langford. Originally comprised of
two large parcels, the properties were held for decades by two local families.
In 2006, the owners of the westernmost lands formed the Westhills Land Corporation (WLC)
to develop the site. Westhills subsequently acquired the second parcel, which
was already zoned for residential development and a lakeside pub.
By adapting these
strategies to meet the unique requirements of the Westhills site, the
developers have created a warm and welcoming community that honours their
foundation principles of sustainability, affordability, design excellence and
quality construction.
Due in large part to the
vision of Langford Mayor Stewart Young and Council, the Westhills Master Plan
was arrived at through a design charette process involving a variety of
stakeholders and consultants. These included The US Green Building Council, the
Canada Green Building Council, the BC Ministry of Community Services and the
Design Centre for Sustainability at the University of British Columbia. Through
this planning process the City of Langford has been able to form a cohesive
partnership with the owner of Westhills Land Corporation, with a commitment to
excellence in environmental design.
The resulting Westhills
Master Plan embodies their goal of creating a unique, large-scale
master-planned community based on principals of social and environmental sustainability.
Major guiding factors of the design and implementation of Westhills Consulting British Colombia
are: considerations of location, alternative
transportation modes, environmental preservation, community agriculture, water
efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor
environmental quality. These characteristics are demonstrated in the creation
of approximately 6000 new residential units, with supporting commercial, civic
and educational facilities. Approximately 84 hectares (208 acres) is designated
as park and open space (equivalent to 40% of the total land area).
The Westhills vision
includes buildings that will accommodate both live and work spaces, a village
centre, neighbourhood retail service centres, an internal commuter bus service,
and a commuter rail station. High quality public spaces, mixed uses, cultural
and educational facilities and residences will provide for a community
available to all ages and various income levels.
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