New Langford Campus Welcomes First Students Amid Excitement

The newly constructed John Horgan Campus in Langford, British Columbia, officially welcomed its first cohort of students on the morning of October 3, 2023. This five-storey building, named after the former B.C. Premier John Horgan, represents a significant addition to the region’s post-secondary education landscape, with a construction cost of $98 million. Despite ongoing landscaping work and some construction barriers, students from Royal Roads University, Camosun College, and the Justice Institute of B.C. were eager to explore their new academic home.

As students stepped into the campus, they were greeted by the scent of new furniture and freshly poured concrete. While some areas, including sidewalks leading to the main entrance at the intersection of Peat Road and Goldstream Avenue, remained fenced off, the excitement among the students was palpable. The campus is built on the site of a former Catholic church and features a mass-timber design that meets LEED certification standards.

Among the first students was Gabriela Pozner, who transferred from Saskatchewan Polytechnic to pursue a newly established bachelor’s program in hospitality and tourism management at Royal Roads. She expressed her enthusiasm about being part of the inaugural group, stating, “It’s exciting to be one of the first people to set foot on campus.” Alongside her, fellow student Gigi Garima shared her ambition of starting a consulting firm in the hospitality sector, highlighting the campus’s strong industry connections as an advantage for their future careers.

The energy was also high on the floor designated for first responders, where approximately 20 uniformed student paramedics were engaged in their orientation. Samantha Kent, the Langford campus administrator for the Justice Institute of B.C., referred to this area as “the fun floor,” emphasizing the dynamic learning environment. Lead instructor Bruce Young remarked on the improved facilities, stating that the new building is tailored for practical, hands-on learning, in stark contrast to their previous location in a converted horse barn.

The John Horgan Campus aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience, with Royal Roads University primarily managing the campus. It offers upper-level classes in tourism and hospitality management, business, and environmental science, along with various certificates. Camosun College plans to introduce diplomas in early learning and care, as well as information technology, starting this fall. The University of Victoria is offering continuing studies programs with plans to expand its offerings once operations stabilize.

Despite the initial excitement, the campus faces challenges. The West Shore region has a lower-than-average transition rate to post-secondary education, with only 38 percent of high school graduates pursuing further education, compared to the provincial average of 51 percent. Residents have identified lengthy commutes as a significant barrier. To address this, the campus is expected to expand significantly, aiming for 1,300 full-time students by 2035. Plans include additional buildings for student housing and a performance theatre.

The campus is equipped with various student services, including counselling, shower facilities, and a career centre, though it currently lacks a cafeteria. The establishment of the John Horgan Campus serves as a tribute to Horgan’s legacy, as he passed away in 2022 after serving as premier from 2017 to 2022 and as the leader of the New Democratic Party from 2014 to 2022.

Overall, the launch of the John Horgan Campus marks a new chapter in education for the Langford community, providing students with access to modern facilities and diverse academic programs.