Langford Orders Cleanup of Derelict Properties, Issues Ultimatum to Developer
Langford, British Columbia, has ordered Langford Gateway Developments Inc. To clean up four derelict properties within 60 days or face a hefty bill for city-led remediation. The move comes after years of complaints from residents regarding the deteriorating condition of the sites, which are described as unsightly and detrimental to property values.
Years of Resident Complaints
Richard Cuthbert, a resident of Sunderland Avenue, has been vocal about the issue for nearly five years. “We’ve been trying to acquire it cleaned up for four, five years now,” Cuthbert stated. He expressed frustration with previous promises from the city, stating, “Everything was going to be beautiful and the neighbours could stop worrying about it.” Cuthbert also voiced his despair with the situation, saying, “This is disgraceful, utterly disgraceful. I was born and raised in Langford and I can’t wait to leave, but I can’t sell my damn house in all of this.”
Properties in Violation
The properties in question are located at 810 Arncote Ave. (which includes seven land parcels, four vacant and three occupied), 2641 and 2649 Sunderland Road, and 812 and 808 Arncote Avenue. A January 2026 site inspection by city bylaw officers revealed numerous violations of the Unsightly Premises and Burning Bylaws, including unsecured buildings, accumulated debris, graffiti, evidence of squatting, and deteriorating structures. CHEK News reports that despite previous inspections and monitoring, the properties have continued to decline.
Developer’s Lack of Action
To date, the city reports that Langford Gateway Developments Inc. Has not taken any action to address the issues, nor have they submitted applications for demolition or redevelopment. Council’s order mandates remedial action, giving the developer 60 days to comply before the city undertakes the cleanup and bills the owner.
Related Development Scrapped
The situation is further complicated by a nearby development that was recently scrapped. A neighboring lot at 2637 Sunderland Rd. Is owned by the Langford Fifty and Up Club, acquired in a land swap related to a previously planned tower project. The Times Colonist reported on the impact of the cancelled tower project on the area.
Concerns Over Property Values and Quality of Life
Residents like Cuthbert fear the neglected properties are depreciating their own property values and creating an unsafe and unpleasant living environment. One resident described the area as “like living in a war zone,” noting the presence of dumped trash, including plastic pipes, construction debris, and old appliances. PressReader detailed the concerns of residents.
Rezoning Application for Nearby Properties
An application to rezone properties on Sunderland Road and Peatt Road for a mixed-employ commercial and residential development is currently under review by the City of Langford. The City of Langford’s website hosts the application details.