Protecting the sensitive ecology and archaeology of Colwood's shoreline and lagoon areas
In 2021 the City began a comprehensive process to develop a Waterfront Stewardship Plan [PDF/36.6MB] to protect sensitive ecological and archaeological shoreline areas while supporting the safety and accessibility of visitors. The plan was developed based on exhaustive site analysis and extensive community engagement. It also aligns with and advances actions outlined in the Transportation Master Plan and Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
Creating a safe and accessible Waterfront Multi-Use Pathway
The Waterfront Stewardship Plan was the basis of a successful grant application and in 2023 Colwood received a $6M grant from the Canada Community-Building Fund for the creation of a safe and accessible Waterfront Multi-Use Pathway from the Lagoon Bridge to border of The Beachlands property.
The Multi-Use Pathway is being designed using Green Shores principles to enhance and protect the shoreline from erosion and flooding without adding concrete walls or other hard armouring.
Surveying, analysis, design and consultation continued through 2024 and 2025, with construction to begin in 2026. Construction will be completed in two phases:
- Phase 1 construction will begin in the fall of 2026 in the area between Lagoon Road and The Beachlands.
- Phase 2 construction is expected to begin in the Spring of 2027 in the area between Lagoon Road and the Lagoon Bridge.
Completion of the Waterfront Multi-Use Pathway is scheduled for the end of 2027.
Ongoing community engagement
Community engagement has continued throughout the development of the Waterfront Stewardship Plan and into the design phase of the Waterfront Multi-Use Pathway. This has included stakeholder meetings with community members and groups including First Nations, the Canadian Wildlife Service, Parks Canada, Royal Roads University, as well as public pop up engagements, sounding boards, online feedback, and presentations at public City meetings. (Review the archived page on Let's Talk Colwood.)
Stay tuned for details about an engagement event at the waterfront in the fall of 2026.