BC Gov image, Flickr

BC Public Service employees who live in the Westshore and surrounding communities can now work closer to home at the new Westhills ShareSpace – a modern, spacious and flexible co-working office.

Over 2,000 B.C. government employees – more than 20% of the BC Public Service employees who work in Victoria – 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 more than 930 square-metre (10,000 square-foot) office space is modern, green and fully accessible. It 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.

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

Quick Facts:

• The opening process begins Monday, Feb. 22, 2021.
• On average, a person commuting from the Westshore to downtown Victoria spends about one hour a day on the road.
• Highways 1 and 14 are the major provincial arteries serving the Westshore.

Learn More:

For high-resolution images of the new workspace, visit: https://flic.kr/p/2kCjX6r

About ShareSpace

ShareSpace is a new fully mobile co-working model that provides government employees with alternative workplace options.

The space is designed to promote 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 building is 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.

Ensuring the building is accessible and inclusive for all employees was also a key part of the design. Some examples include:

• room signage throughout that includes braille and contrasting raised lettering/numbering;
• a platform chair lift to the outdoor patio;
• universal washrooms and shower facilities;
• kitchen and break areas are designed to support people of all abilities;
• all collaboration areas can accommodate wheelchairs or scooters;
• a variety of chairs to support people with different needs;
• manual and electric sit/stand desks that easily adjust to meet a person’s needs; and
• adjustable computer screens that can be tilted, rotated, and moved up/down and forward/backward to reduce eye strain and encourage healthy postures.