It's not easy being green for the City of Langford.
News of their plan to create a new permanent "green oasis" in the downtown core of Langford, has received mixed reviews.
While the majority of residents have welcomed the purchase of the manufactured home site, known as Woodlands Park, for the urban green space project, others have expressed "deep concerns."
One sticking point for some residents is the $9.8 million price tag for the six-acre piece of land, located at 848 Hockley Ave.
Taking into consideration the cost of purchasing the 45 homes on the site for their assessed value, plus 10 per cent, some locals believe the total cost could rise to $20 million.
“We need to be transparent about that,” said Lisa Foxhall, speaking at a council meeting on Monday (Jan. 13), who also noted the city’s “vague” annual budget of $1 million over the next five years to buy out the Woodlands tenants, does not add up.
“The numbers don't work,” she said. “They don't add up to buy all 45 trailers, unless the city only pays $100,000 per trailer, and that is not enough for the seniors to move out and find other accommodation.
“The city needs to have $2.5 million per year for that plan to work,” she added.
Concerns were also raised about the displacement of Woodlands Park tenants, who have been given five years to find alternative accommodation and vacate the site.
“We're in a housing crisis and you're kicking all the residents out,” said Wendy Bowers.
To support the tenants with their transition, the city has hired a tenant liaison person, who met with them on Thursday Jan. 9 to break the news of the sale, hours before the city went public.
“Not many were surprised,” said James Ridge, who noted all tenants were "gracious and respectful” about the news. “Oddly enough, a lot of people expected that there would be a change in ownership at some point … they simply didn't know the time.”
Tenants are considering a number of options explained Ridge, including purchasing a new property, renting, moving into independent living facilities and relocation of their existing home.
“There are already seven residents who would like to sell as soon as possible,” he said. “And I expect there will be more in the coming weeks.”
“People are understandably concerned about where they're going to go, but they are also very appreciative that they have five years to make that decision … rather than the one year, which is what is required under provincial legislation,” added Ridge.
At the Jan. 13 meeting councillors unanimously agreed to give the first three readings to a bylaw dedicating the land as a park in perpetuity.
Councillors have praised the acquisition of the site, which has been a mobile home park for almost 60 years, as a “gift a lifetime” for Langford’s residents.
“In all my years I've been on council, I think this is the most exciting announcement we've ever had – a park in the heart of Langford, over six acres,” said Coun. Lillian Szpak.
For Coun. Colby Harder, who had worked with the owners of Woodlands Park to aid the sale, the decision was a personal one.
Having grown up in a mobile home park, Harder expressed empathy for the residents displaced by the purchase.
“It's been the hardest part of this decision,” she said, adding she felt “comforted” the tenants will be supported by the city “every step of the way.”
“I'm so honoured to have had the opportunity to help bring this gift forward because it is a gift and it's going to be incredible,” she continued. “And I want to just express that I'm deeply committed to making sure that we do right by the tenants because that is what I’d want for my family.”
