Welcome to Langford, B.C.’s most resilient city and the best place for work

Langford’s transformation from bedroom community to hip urban centre is well underway — and the city has the accolades to prove it.

Most recent among them: B.C. Business Magazine’s most resilient and best city for work.

Citing Langford’s dynamic restaurant scene as an example, the magazine said the city has come into its own “with its own unique and growing array of business services and amenities.”

It was the second year in a row the city nabbed the title in the magazine’s rankings, now in their eighth year. To come up with the list, the publication looked at 50 of the province’s largest communities, using a set of 10 indicators provided by research partner Environics Analytics.

The ranking, which is focused on economic resiliency, considers several factors, including economic diversity, population growth, household financial vulnerability, residents’ sense of belonging, residential gas emissions, rental vacancy rate, residential sales, housing starts, the change in jobs and the annual unemployment rate. It also factored in social and environmental resilience.

One of the new indicators this year examined rental vacancy rates as a barometer for housing availability, and an economic diversity indicator showing how well represented different industries are among the city’s employed residents.

“Although the last couple of years continues to be challenging for both residents, business owners and employees, this ranking is a strong signal that we continue to move in the right direction,” said Langford Mayor Stew Young.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the city has continued its work to spur investment and new development in Langford’s core commercial areas. As a community, we collectively continue to support each other as a resilient, diverse, and strong community. Everyone should be very proud of this accomplishment and recognition.”

Langford’s growing restaurant scene wasn’t the only area that got a special mention.

The magazine also highlighted the relocation of construction management specialist Plexxis Software’s headquarters from Brampton, Ont., to the city, as well as plans for a performing arts centre and efforts to attract a new film studio to a business park development at the former Western Speedway racetrack.

THE NO. 1 RANKING FOLLOWS A SERIES OF OTHER AWARDS FOR THE CITY OF LANGFORD DURING THE PANDEMIC, INCLUDING:

• No. 1 Best Community in B.C., and No. 18 Best Community in Canada by Maclean’s Magazine

• Most Liveable City in Canada, by RATESDOTCA

• Economic Resiliency and Recovery Award, population over 20,000 by the B.C. Economic Development Association (I AM Langford campaign)