New biking, hiking trails open in Langford
A collection of new hiking and biking trails are now open in Langford, B.C., the city announced Tuesday.
The trails are part of the new Langford Gravity Zone and Nature Trails, comprising 130 acres in the Westhills area off the West Shore Parkway.
Nine trails opened Tuesday, with three others planned before the end of the year, the city said.
"The 130 acres of forestland that makes up the Langford Gravity Zone and Nature Trails will provide Langford residents with more green space for outdoor exploration," Langford Mayor Stew Young said in a press release.
Organizers say the trails are for both mountain bikers and hikers.
"So it's about actually a 50/50 split between hiking and biking trails," said Dean Tennant, project manager for Gravity Zone.
A rock climbing wall is also part of the recreation area. Two dozen routes have already been set up, and more are planned in the future.
"Whether residents want to hike, bike or just get outside and connect with nature in their own backyard, these trails will provide that opportunity," said Young.
"This park is a one-of-a-kind park on Vancouver Island, and will attract visitors from around the world, supporting our local small businesses and tourism economy," he said.
On Tuesday, the city also broke ground on a clubhouse building as part of the next phase of the Jordie Lunn Bike Park development.
Clubhouse construction will begin in the coming weeks with an expected completion date in 2023, the city said.
Once complete, the building will feature an outdoor patio, bike rental and repair shop and community meeting space.
"Today is a big deal for my family," said Craig Lunn, brother of Jordie Lunn.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Evacuation centre, comfort centres open for residents fleeing Halifax-area wildfire
An evacuation centre opened overnight in Halifax for residents fleeing a wildfire that began in the Upper Tantallon, N.S., area Sunday afternoon.

Provinces must seek anti-smoking measures in Big Tobacco settlement: health groups
Three national health organizations want Canada's premiers to push for initiatives to reduce smoking during settlement negotiations with major tobacco companies, years after provinces sued to recoup health-care costs.
Election day: Alberta voters go to the polls, expected nail-biter between UCP, NDP
It’s election day in Alberta in what polls suggest could be a nail-biter finish between the province's two dominant parties.
Canadian companies adopt 'stay interviews' as workers rethink careers, needs
The discussions, which some companies call 'stay interviews,' are designed to collect feedback from employees and are aimed at learning what the company can do to retain valued team members and keep them happy.
Nova Scotia's modern 'gold rush' poses huge risk to climate, expert warns
Nova Scotia is embarking on what many are calling its fourth gold rush — but instead of panhandling for chunks of gold, mining operations in the province today consist of massive tailings ponds, enormous open pits extracting small traces of gold and a climate toll that one expert says we’re not properly tracking.
Former Steelers, Jets running back Le'Veon Bell says he smoked marijuana before games
Former Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets running back Le'Veon Bell says he smoked marijuana before playing some NFL games during his career.
Venice authorities investigate after canal turns fluorescent green
Venetian authorities are investigating after a patch of fluorescent green water appeared in the famed Grand Canal on Sunday morning.
5 things to know for Monday, May 29, 2023
Albertans head to the polls on provincial election day, an engaged Ontario couple is shot dead while fleeing their landlord, and Turkiye's Recep Tayyip Erdogan wins a fifth term as president.
3-year-old boy dies after drowning in backyard pool west of Toronto
Police are investigating the death of a three-year-old boy who was pulled from a backyard pool in Oakville on Saturday.