Video: Langford Announces Gravity Zone - Vancouver Island's Newest Bike Park

PRESS RELEASE: City of Langford

Today, the City of Langford, in partnership with multiple partners and stakeholders, opened the Langford Gravity Zone and Nature Trails, an impressive and extensive trail system designed for hiking and biking for people of all ages. The trails make up just over 130-acres of land and includes 9 trails that opened today, and a total of 12 that will be opened by the end of 2022. Through the Master Development Agreement with Westhills Land Corp., some of the land used for the new Gravity Zone has been turned over to the City, a portion is under a 10-year licensing agreement and 35-acres of this licensed area will be transferred within several months.

“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. Whether residents want to hike, bike or just get outside and connect with nature in their own backyard, these trails will provide that opportunity. 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.” said Langford Mayor Stew Young.


The City of Langford also broke ground on the next phase of the Jordie Lunn Bike Park - the Clubhouse building. The Clubhouse will be a focal point of the Jordie Lunn Bike Park, providing space for the community to connect with other cycling enthusiasts of all ages. Featuring an outdoor patio, cantina, bike repair and rentals, office space for Cycling Canada and Cycling BC, and community meeting space. Clubhouse construction will begin in the coming weeks and will open in 2023. In memory of their son Jordie Lunn, the Lunn Family has donated $150,000 from the proceeds of the Road2Recovery campaign to help fund the project. The addition of the Clubhouse seeks to build upon the strong growth and demand for sport and recreation in Langford. It will also drive programming and services for the community at the Jordie Lunn Bike Park and will serve as a satellite office for Cycling Canada and Cycling BC. The mutual partnership with Cycling Canada will support the continued development of programming and hosting national events in Langford.

The opening of the Clubhouse comes on the heels of an ongoing partnership with Cycling BC and Cycling Canada with the City of Langford. "Cycling BC is thrilled to be partnered with the City of Langford and looks forward to operating from the Jordie Lunn Clubhouse to build capacity in cycling sport development,” said Erin Waugh, CEO of Cycling BC. Matt Jeffries, Executive Director of Cycling Canada adds, "It will further solidify a strong partnership between Cycling Canada and the City of Langford by bringing exciting programming and event hosting opportunities to the region."


The Langford Gravity Zone and Nature Trails addition introduces a one-of-a-kind hiking and biking trail system like nothing else on Vancouver Island. The Gravity Zone features a variety of trails with ranges of difficulties. Cyclists and hikers will enjoy viewpoint lookouts and winding trails situated under massive tree canopies. Each trail was named by the trail building team who have worked tirelessly over the last few months to create something special and unique for the residents of Langford.

“Westhills has been working with Mayor Young, Council and Staff for over 15 years to develop community amenities such as the Westhills YMCA-YWCA, Goudy Field, Westhills Park, Jordie Lunn Bike Park and an extensive trail network. We are thrilled to continue supporting Langford’s world-class recreation program by providing access to our land for everyone to enjoy.” Ryan McKenzie, Manager, Westhills Land Corp.

A Province of BC grant (Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program) was awarded to the Nature Trails Society to complete work on the City of Langford land and has contributed $336,113 towards the capital cost of the project which funded the Ridgeline and Viewtop hiking trails and contributed to various other trails. An additional $150,000 grant was provided by 4VI (formally Tourism Vancouver Island) through the Targeted Regional Tourism Initiative, which funded the blue flow trail. The remaining budget was funded by the City Parks DCC fund, which is paid for by development. 

It is exciting to see another Vancouver Island project funded by the $2.3 million Targeted Regional Tourism Initiative move forward,” says Anthony Everett, President & CEO, 4VI (formerly Tourism Vancouver Island). “We gratefully acknowledge the Province of BC for this funding. We know a flourishing community in which to live is also an attractive destination to visit, so both residents and visitors will benefit from this amenity.”


Trail Previews sponsored by NOBL Wheels