The City of Colwood is located on the south coast of Vancouver Island, in Beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Just 10km from BC's capital city of Victoria, Colwood is a fast growing, family-friendly seaside community of approximately 18,600 people that enjoys a rich heritage, a unique connection to nature and incredible potential.

Location, location, location! 

Nestled along more than 7 kilometers of breathtaking oceanfront and set amongst some of the most beautiful parks and trails on Southern Vancouver Island, there is no better place to live, work and play, than Colwood.

The City is poised for significant growth and change with new developments in the heart of Colwood and along the waterfront ​at Royal Bay and Royal Beach where new homes, schools, shopping, dining and businesses are currently being built on nearly 500 acres of land set along the ocean. The City's 2018 Official Community Plan lays out a strong vision that will ensure the community maintains its natural, historical, family friendly feel as it enjoys the benefits that growth will bring. With this unique combination of community, nature, and growth, home buyers and businesses are taking a fresh look at Colwood.

A community-led plan for the future

In 2018 Colwood Council adopted a new community-led Official Community Plan. The draft plan reflects a shared vision for Colwood as an exceptional seaside community where people live in family-friendly neighbourhoods that are connected to nature and to vibrant public spaces by a range of realistic transportation choices. Read more at www.colwood.ca/OCP.

A growing population and employment base

Colwood's population is expected to increase 35% to 22,742 by 2028,  with an additional 16% growth to 26,484 by 2038. Development projects are underway throughout the City, including the town centre at Colwood Corners and in the new seaside village at Royal Bay.

Colwood's workforce is highly educated and statistics show that Colwood residents have a higher median household income than neighbouring communities. The majority of working individuals who reside here hold occupations in sales and service; business, finance and administration; education, law, and community and government services. Employment opportunities are projected to increase by 83.7% in Colwood by 2038 with an expected 204,000 square feet of additional retail development within the City by 2038.

A diverse and growing local and regional economy

There are more than 500 active businesses in Colwood, including home based businesses. Have a proposal for Mixed Use Employment or Light Industrial? Colwood has land available. Learn about Light Industrial Lands in Colwood.

Positioned as a regional transportation hub

Colwood is just 10 kilometers up the road from BC's capital city of Victoria and less than 40 km from the Victoria International Airport and the BC Ferries Swartz Bay Terminal. BC Transit provides an efficient regional public transit system. The Galloping Goose Regional Trail runs through the City and connects to local roads parks and trails, making for an easy and enjoyable commuting option. Learn more about Getting Around in Colwood.

BC Transit plans to construct transit priority lanes between Colwood Corners and downtown Victoria are in progress. A ferry route between Royal Bay and Victoria Harbour are also being explored. This makes the City an excellent choice for innovative and forward thinking employers.

Premier post-secondary educational facilities

Royal Roads University sits in the centre of Colwood at one of the City's national historic sites, Hatley Castle. The University draws professionals from around the globe for its high quality, innovative, applied post-secondary education, designed for working professionals and career-focused students. Colwood also has strong partnerships with the University of Victoria and Camosun College on initiatives such as economic development, sustainability, trades and innovative technology.

Unique natural setting with recreational and cultural amenities

Colwood's oceanfront boasts exhilarating views that take in the City of Victoria and span all the way around to the Olympic Mountains in the distance. The oceanfront at Esquimalt Lagoon is within walking distance of the City Centre. It is a point of pride for locals and a popular recreational destination for visitors who want to bird watch, walk, swim, dive or kayak. As a designated bird sanctuary and historic First Nations site, the Lagoon is one of the most beautiful and biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet. It is bordered by the vast forests of the Royal Roads University grounds as well as the national historic sites of Hatley Castle, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse.

Colwood has an abundance of beautiful, forested parks and trails to enjoy. West Shore Parks and Recreation Centre is located in the heart of the City and provides fitness facilities, a swimming pool, playing fields, baseball diamonds, ice arenas, curling facilities a par three golf course and more.

Our Southern Vancouver Island climate makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors all year round, with warm, dry weather in summer and mild, wet winters.

History

Colwood has a rich history that begins with Coast Salish heritage followed by European settlement dating back to the 18th century. Incorporated in 1985, the City is home to many historic landmarks. Fisgard Lighthouse was constructed in 1860 at the base of what is now Fort Rodd Hill and both of these are National Historic sites. The original Colwood School was built on Sooke Road in 1874 on land donated by Arthur Peatt, a local farmer and Hatley Castle was built on the site in 1902. The castle is now the home of Royal Roads University and the gardens and grounds are a popular visitor attraction.

Another notable Colwood landmark is St. John the Baptist Church, a beautifully restored Carpenter Gothic non-denominational heritage Church which was officially designated in 1912. Check out Colwood's Historical Timeline, read about other Colwood Points of Interest and visit Colwood soon!

See the Statistics Canada 2016 Census Profile for the City of Colwood to learn more.