On the evening of November 2, 2026, the City of Colwood celebrated the start of a new chapter as our incoming Mayor and Council were sworn in at the Inaugural Meeting for the 2027–2030 term.
RCMP Superintendent Terry Gillespie showed off his impressive versatility by piping the new Council into Chambers. The Royal Bay Secondary School Choir followed with a beautiful rendition of O Canada and Carry the Light, a song about hope, courage, kindness and the responsibility of leading with positivity.
Honoured guests who attended to welcome the new Council included Florence Dick from Songhees Nation, RCMP Superintendent Gillespie, MLA Darlene Rotchford, and School Trustees Cendra Beaton and Trudy Spiller.
Local barrister and solicitor Shawn Eden administered the Oaths of Office to the new Council. Pictured from left to right: Councillor Deborah Law, Councillor Eugene Tseng, Mayor Doug Kobayashi, Councillor Misty Olsen, Councillor Ian Ward and Councillor David Grove.
Mayor Kobayashi also thanked departing Council members Kim Jordison, Dean Jantzen and Cynthia Day for their contributions to the community. Day is the City's longest-serving Council member, with eight consecutive terms totalling 24 years of service.
Mayor Kobayashi's Inaugural Address
In his Inaugural Address, Mayor Kobayashi commended everyone who put their name forward as a candidate and congratulated the incoming Council before sharing a simple but meaningful vision for the next four years:
"My vision for the next four years, simply put, is to build a city that works for everyone," said Kobayashi. "Our guiding principles must be simple: listen carefully, spend responsibly, govern wisely, and deliver results."
The Mayor highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, noting that Colwood's future is closely tied to our West Shore neighbours and the broader Capital Region.
"Transportation, housing, environmental protection, and regional services do not stop at municipal boundaries. By building stronger relationships and working collaboratively, we can achieve more together, where it makes sense, than we can independently."
He also spoke about strengthening Colwood's economic future by growing the commercial tax base, attracting investment and supporting local businesses.
"We have an opportunity to create a downtown with a stronger identity—a place where people want to gather, shop, dine, work, and enjoy themselves. A thriving local economy means more than revenue for the City. It means local jobs, greater convenience for residents, and a stronger sense of community."
"But Colwood's future is not defined by buildings, roads, or budgets alone. A great city is ultimately defined by its people. We are fortunate to have extraordinary volunteers, dedicated community organizations, a vibrant arts and culture community, beautiful parks and waterfront, and a world-class university right here in our backyard. These are tremendous assets, and we have only begun to explore their full potential."
"Achieving our vision will take teamwork. It will take an engaged community, talented and dedicated City staff, constructive partnerships with other governments, and a Council that is willing to think boldly while acting responsibly. I believe Colwood has everything it needs to succeed: a remarkable natural setting, a strong community spirit, talented people, and tremendous opportunities ahead of us."
Learn more
Get to know your new Colwood Council at Council Profiles
View the Inaugural Meeting online at Inaugural Council - November 2, 2026
Media contact
Sandra Russell, Communications Manager
Find this release online at www.colwood.ca/News
Subscribe for Colwood news at www.colwood.ca/Subscribe
Follow @CityofColwood on facebook, instagram and youtube