'Going to find a new location': Westshore Speedway promises relocation as site redevelopment begins
In Langford, work has begun on a quarter-billion-dollar project, creating what will be known as Langford Heights.
"Overall, when fully built out, we’re hoping to have a million-square-feet of office and industrial space,” said Mike Mackay, president of Strand, a company heading the redevelopment project.
The Mayor of Langford, Stew Young, says the new development could bring 1,000 new jobs to the community. But the most exciting aspect of the project for him is the proposed film studio.
"This looks like a win for Langford if we could get a film studio here with it as well," said Young.
As communities race to build the first film studio in the region, Strand and its partner, Bastion Development Corporation, already operate studios in Vancouver. They say it will be built.
"The intention right now is to proceed with the construction of a film studio on the property," said Mackay. "We’re not looking for, necessarily, a tenant to be in tow before we do that."
'GET BACK TO RACING'
The site has been home to a number of businesses over the years, including a rock crushing operation, water park, mini golf track, and of course, the iconic Western Speedway. The race track now has one season left to operate in its current location under the name Westshore Speedway.
"We’re going to find a new location," said Daryl Crocker, general manager of Western Promotions and Westshore Motorsports Park.
"We’re going to build another one and we’re going to get back to racing," he said. "There’s no two ways about it, we have to do it."
The speedway has been in its current location since 1954.
Strand has committed $2.5 million to help fund the relocation of the speedway to a new location. As of right now, a new location hasn’t been found, but Crocker says he has some good leads.
"I would say it’s looking promising," said Crocker. "All the locations are within 10 or 15 minutes of its current location, so we’re not going far."
DEVELOPMENT CONCERNS
Jason Nault lives in the area at the foot of Bear Mountain.
"My wife’s drive from here to the highway turned from five to 15 minutes," said Nault.
Neighbours living in the area seem to support the project, but there are concerns about increased traffic congestion.
"We definitely need more roads out here if they want to keep on building," said Nault.
The mayor says work is already underway, with widening construction taking place on Millstream Road, which will see increased traffic.
"There are plans to widen the road and obviously we’re looking at road improvements all the way along Millstream," said Young. "Work is getting done there right now."
Seven acres of land has been set aside for Langford Parks. Young says construction of new soccer and baseball fields are being looked at, as well as a much needed lacrosse box.
Fifty residential homes will also be built within the project bounds that is expected to be completed within the next five to six years.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.