Stew Young
Are you associated with or running as part of a slate team? If so, which one?
Community First Langford
Do you live in the municipality where you are running, and if so, for how long? If not, what is your connection to that community?
Yes, I live in Langford. I have lived in Langford for my entire life – never left
What is your occupation, and for how long?
I have spent the last 30 years as the mayor of this great city and as a business owner in this community
Tell us about your previous elected and/or community experience.
Improving the lives of the residents has been at the heart of everything I have worked to help create since starting on council in 1992. I am very proud of the work we have put in, through the good times and tough times, to create a city that continues to grow and prosper taking it from Dogpatch to desirable.
Why are you running? What’s your motivation?
I am committed to continuing to build pathways to success for the residents of Langford. To build upon a foundation that keeps taxes low, investment high, and will now include first-class post-secondary education - from the five new schools we’ve built with Ravi Parmar and SD62 to the university that will train the next generation. We know that the key to our continued success is creating opportunities in the community that will keep families together. Creating jobs right here in Langford, offering affordable housing options, building our community services, amenities, and recreation, supporting our protective services to keep our community safe and healthy.
What are your top three issues?
• Affordability – We need to keep costs for residents affordable and build a variety of affordable housing units so that families can afford to buy a house in Langford.
• Improving services/amenities – We need to attract and encourage doctors and work with them and the government to find solutions that will keep medical professionals here. We need to continue to support and invest in protective services that keep our community safe.
• Encouraging Investment – We have built a diverse economy and created the many job opportunities which will insulate us through an economic downturn. That investment continues to build the infrastructure, amenities, and services we all enjoy.
What’s your vision for your community in 25 years?
In 25 years, I see a vibrant, successful, walkable city that its residents are proud to call home. With the building of the university, we will offer a place where residents can fulfill their career goals and dreams. People will no longer have to leave for post secondary education but live in Langford, where they will have the supports of family and community to ensure their success. Langford will continue to build the services – the parks, trails, recreation, and amenities to support and sustain families. Langford is no longer the Dogpatch of our past, but a desirable, welcoming community on the Westshore.
What’s one “big idea” you have for your community?
I have had many big ideas over the past 30 years and the vision that council had for Langford still exists. We want to continue to create a diverse city where families can stay – live, work, learn, and play.
