Langford: Grade D

Langford receives a D. It leads the region in housing delivered and has the lowest business tax rate, but the steepest tax increases, the fastest spending growth and the highest crime severity outside the urban core hold the grade down.

Strengths

Langford led the region on housing, approving more homes than any other municipality over the past three years, while growing faster than anyone else. It has the lowest business tax rate in the region and a competitive multiplier.

Areas for improvement

Langford recorded the steepest cumulative tax increases of the six municipalities reviewed, on both residential and business properties. Its spending has grown the fastest of the six, at well above the rate of inflation. It has the highest crime severity outside Victoria, and much of the housing counted during the term was already in the development pipeline before it began.

Core takeaway

We recognize Langford’s leadership on housing. We looked at all four categories together, not housing alone.