Vancouver Island mayor wants more parking lots downtown

Vancouver Island’s City of Langford is buying residential properties downtown and turning them into surface parking lots in a bid to keep parking free. 

The city, which is part of the Capital Regional District, recently snapped up one house and has approached several other properties with offers based on market price, as new high-rise developments — including an 11-story residential building — are poised to bring more residents downtown.

Mayor Stew Young says it’s a prudent investment for a booming population.

Langford’s population