Achievements & Impact

Building a Foundation for a Thriving Langford

Since being elected to Langford City Council in 2022, Mary Wagner has been focused on creating a more balanced approach to growth, prioritizing public engagement, transparent and accountable government, and building a safe, healthy, climate-resilient community.

Her first term has been about building the foundation; creating the plans and putting in place the strategies, protections, and partnerships that will guide Langford’s growth in a thoughtful, sustainable way for decades to come.

“Real progress is built step by step — through listening, collaboration, and long-term vision.”

— Mary Wagner

A woman with brown hair and a blue T-shirt smiling in front of a stone wall and a notice board in a public building.

Planning for the Future

Mary co-created Langford’s first-ever Strategic Plan - a set of priorities and actions creating a path forward to meet specific goals

She helped introduce and support new citywide frameworks including:

The Transportation/Active Transportation Master Plans, prioritizing safe and efficient movement for all residents
The Parks, Recreation & Trails Master Plan, protecting natural spaces and improving accessibility
The Climate Action & Urban Forest Management Plans, ensuring a resilient future for Langford’s environment and a livable city for our residents
The Arts and Culture and Economic Development Strategies, expanding our opportunities for creativity and sense of belonging, and supporting diverse businesses
Official Community Plan Review and Rethink and Housing Strategy to provide housing that meets peoples needs, creates a vibrant downtown and supports healthy neighbourhoods

Plans in Action

A trail sign that reads "Strachan Trail" and promotes sharing the space, biking, walking, and multi-use trails, in a wooded area with fallen autumn leaves on the ground and trees with mostly green and yellow foliage

Protecting and Expanding Greenspace & Climate Resilience

Mary has consistently advocated for policies that balance development with environmental responsibility:

Supported investments in new parks including Woodlands, Lone Oak, and Porcher Park
Ensured 209 acres of land are protected as greenspace
Helped create Langford’s Tree Protection Bylaw and Urban Forest Management Plan preserving mature trees across the city
Advocated for livability and affordability for housing - higher energy efficiency standards, heat pumps and greenspace for new developments
Opposed artificial turf installations for new developments, encouraging natural surfaces
Promoted community gardens, including championing the Porcher Park Garden in downtown Langford

Part of a red fire truck with emergency equipment, hoses, and tools, under a cloudy sky.

Strengthening Safety, Infrastructure and Community Supports

Recognizing the importance of keeping pace with Langford’s rapid growth, Mary supported strategic investments in public safety, infrastructure and social services.

Expansion of Langford Fire Rescue, adding 27 new firefighters
Upgrades to sidewalk networks and investing in Safe Routes to School
Advocacy for strong emergency preparedness and climate adaptation measures
Creation of 2 new Childcare Centres funded by grants
Partnering with Habitat for Humanity for an affordable housing project
Supporting the South Island Primary Care Society in keeping and bringing new doctors to downtown Langford
Supported the Westshore RCMP Detachment Building Expansion

A woman smiling and standing outdoors next to a whiteboard with a list of neighborhood features. In the background, there is a carnival ride called 'Wacky Shack' and other amusement park attractions.

Championing Transparency & Public Engagement

Mary has made community consultation and transparent, accountable government a priority, making it easier for residents to get involved and stay informed.

Promoted surveys, popups, community fun days, LET’S CHAT LANGFORD online platform, a City Facebook Page, and website improvements
Supported a more robust budgeting process encouraging fiscal responsibility and clear decision making
Spoke up at council meetings for resident concerns
Encouraged open dialogue between developers, residents, and local businesses
Built bridges regionally by collaborating with the CRD, Westshore municipalities, and Provincial and Federal partners on housing, childcare, and environmental initiatives

Exterior view of the Lippert Langeford Aquatic Centre with trees displaying autumn foliage, a streetlamp, and a person walking nearby.

Celebrating Arts, Culture & Recreation

Mary believes a thriving city includes creative and cultural spaces where people connect and belong as well as having diverse opportunities for recreation.

She supported the creation of a new Arts and Culture Facility with Childcare Centre as well as the purchase of building for the YMCA/YWCA fitness, aquatics and childcare centre, Heritage Library Branch, and Conservatory of Music.

She continues to advocate for:

More childcare and social services
Gatherings spaces such as a community centre and public plazas
Local performance spaces and cultural programming
Community-driven art projects and murals
Little Free Libraries, Little Free Pantries and other neighbourhood-based initiatives that bring joy and connection to daily life
Investment in parks and recreation spaces for fitness, health and well-being for all

A Collaborative First Term

Mary’s approach has been one of partnership - with staff, fellow council members, and community organizations collaborating to achieve lasting results that reflect Langford’s shared values.

“I love being a councillor. It’s been the honour of a lifetime to serve my community and help shape a more sustainable, connected Langford.”