The first fully mobile shared office space for B.C. Public Service employees has opened in Langford. The new Westhills ShareSpace is a modern, spacious and flexible co-working office that provides government employees with alternative workplace options.

Designed by Western Interior Design Group Ltd., the space promotes collaboration, community and innovation and will give government employees who live in Langford or surrounding communities the choice to work closer to home. This contributes to a positive work-life balance and reduces environmental impacts.

The more than 930 square-metre (10,000 square-foot) office space is fully accessible and certified Built Green, making it sustainable and energy efficient. Many green design elements and locally sourced materials were used throughout the space to reduce negative environmental impacts and create a healthy, productive space for employees. Some examples include:

• natural and exposed Hemlock wood ceiling and wall features manufactured in Abbotsford;
• Douglas fir textured wood features used on the front desk, manufactured in Victoria;
• modern furniture, made in Victoria from sustainable plywood; felt ceiling and wall coverings, suspended dividers and carpeting are made from recycled materials; and
• energy smart kitchen appliances, heating and ventilation systems and LED lighting to reduce energy consumption and save energy costs.

“Having the option to work and collaborate in a bright, open and innovative workspace near home will be a game changer for many people – giving them more time with their families, cutting commute times and helping reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.” said Premier John Horgan.

More than 2,000 B.C. government employees live in the Westshore area. Many have long advocated for an office space close to home due to the time and money they spend commuting each day. The new office will help ease commute times and support government’s goal to lower greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants by reducing congestion and traffic idling.

During COVID-19, the occupancy of the office has been reduced from 100 to 50 people to ensure physical distancing and worker safety. A COVID-19 safety plan, including behavioural and wayfinding signage, is in place, per the direction and orders of the provincial health officer and WorkSafeBC.

The space includes a mix of co-working and private rooms, natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor patio and workspace with views of Langford Lake. Innovative office technology is used throughout, such as interactive room and desk-booking apps, digital signage and audio-visual meeting systems.

It also has electric-vehicle charging stations, bike storage, day-use lockers and showers that promote active and green transportation options. With brightly coloured felt pendant lighting, exposed natural B.C. wood elements, textured graphic and interactive walls, the space aims to inspire creativity and provide a collaborative, healthy and positive work environment.

“We’re using technology and innovation to change the way we live and work,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “The new office model will help us keep pace with a growing mobile workforce, support collaboration and shared ideas in the BC Public Service and give people the flexibility they need and want.”

Located at 1311 Lakepoint Way in Langford, the Westhills ShareSpace office was announced as part of a pilot in November 2019.