Colwood Fast Facts

  • population is projected to grow by 108% by the year 2038
  • employment opportunities set to rise by 83.7%
  • student populations will expand 55% in 10 years.

Opportunities abound for businesses and developers to come and grow along with us in our oceanside community that is home to miles of forest, parks and trails as well as Royal Roads University, Esquimalt Lagoon, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, and exceptional West Shore leisure facilities. Discover Colwood

Read our Colwood Economic Development Strategy to see how Colwood Council and staff are working to find innovative new ways to bring the vision of our award-winning Official Community Plan to life. Colwood has a vision to build our healthy and sustainable community, and wants to hear from the business community - local and global - interested in joining us in our quest to make Colwood one of the most livable communities in Canada. We're open for business.

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We're open for business

We're excited to welcome your business to our growing Colwood community! As one of the fastest growing regions in British Columbia, Colwood is a great place to bring your new business idea, or expand your enterprise.

No more annual business license fees! 

In April 2016 Colwood Council made the decision to eliminate annual business license renewal fees. Starting in 2017, existing Colwood businesses will no longer pay a fee, but will be required to complete a quick and easy online renewal each year to keep their license in good standing. New businesses will pay a one-time fee when they first apply and, once approved, will receive a perpetual license. Read more in the article Colwood eliminates annual business license fees.

Not sure if you require a business license?

We'd love to talk with you about it. Contact us at 250-478-5999 or email us.

Applications

You can complete this Business License application online, then send it to us by email, fax or mail.

A Business License Application takes approximately 10 business days to process, as a number of departments (planning, inspections, fire) must review an application before a business licence can be issued. The Capital Regional District, and Provincial and Federal governments may also have additional requirements that must be met before a business can legally operate.

Approval is required when the use of a business premise is changed, a property is developed, or building additions are undertaken, in order to ensure compliance with bylaws and regulations. Read the City of Colwood Business License Bylaw.

Important Resources