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

 

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

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

  • 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

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

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

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.”

— Mary Wagner

Looking Ahead

Mary’s next term will build on this foundation - continuing to strengthen the city’s environmental policies, deepen community engagement, and make Langford a model of thoughtful, people-centered city building.

See What's Next