The City of Colwood is working to protect natural assets and special places like Murray's Pond Park, where residents and visitors can explore thoughtfully and learn about the unique geology, archeology, plants, animals and insects that are all vital components of our local environment.

Murray's Pond is surrounded by a woodland ecosystem that is home to abundant wildlife and has a unique geological history. The pond itself is a glacial "kettle pond". Kettle ponds were formed when a chunk of a receding glacier broke off and settled in place. The sediment-rich ice block gradually deposited sand, clay, grit and rocks around and on top of it, solidifying. Years later, as the underground ice block melted, the sediment layer caved in to form a large depression that filled with groundwater, creating the pond.

On April 5, 2023 Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi, Colwood Council members, high school students and community members joined the Royal Bay development team to celebrate the opening of Murray's Pond Park and Trail and the new viewing platform that allows visitors to observe the natural environment with minimal intrusion. 

The Murray's Pond Trail and others throughout Royal Bay have been thoughtfully designed and constructed by the team at Sellentin Habitat Restoration. Members of the Sellentin team were there to share information about their work, and to guide students in planting 100 new Douglas Fir trees at the entrance to the new trail. 

Learn more about the new trail and viewing platform at Murrays Pond Park