In 2023, Parks Canada contacted the City of Colwood about creating a National Urban Park in our area. Since then, the City has been collaborating with Parks Canada and local First Nations, including the Xwsepsum (Esquimalt), SC'IȺNEW, Songhees, and T’Sou-ke Nations, to investigate the potential designation of a National Urban Park (NUP) within the City of Colwood and surrounding area.
The study area for the proposed park is still being refined and could encompass the Parks Canada lands surrounding the Fort Rodd Hill-Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site, which are located within the borders of the City of Colwood. As this could be a mosaic of non-contiguous lands, nearby areas of interest may be considered for inclusion.
What is a National Urban Park?
National Urban Parks are intended to be places of natural and/or historical significance located near major Canadian cities with the goals of conserving nature, connecting people with nature, and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
National Urban Park designation supports conservation of protected areas through restoration work and nature-based solutions while removing fees, improving transit access and ensuring it is accessible for all ages and abilities. It also includes meaningful engagement, involvement, and leadership roles for Indigenous governments and supports Indigenous-led stewardship of the lands, connection to the lands, and promotion of Indigenous voices, stories, culture and language, as well as economic development opportunities.
What other Canadian cities are candidates for National Urban Parks?
There are currently seven National Urban Park candidate sites(External link) that are advancing across Canada, including the Greater Victoria candidate site located within Colwood and the greater Victoria area.
The other candidate sites include Edmonton (AB), Saskatoon (SK), Winnipeg (MB), Windsor (ON), Halifax (NS) and St. John’s (NL). Each of these proposed parks aims to reflect local priorities and a variety of proposed park land.
Learn more and share your thoughts
As the National Urban Park project enters the Planning Phase, the City of Colwood is conducting public engagement to better understand the Colwood and Greater Victoria community perspective on a potential National Urban Park designation and the values and priorities you would like to be reflected in a potential National Urban Park.
It is important to note that the National Urban Park project is a partnership between the City of Colwood, Parks Canada, Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) Nation, SC'IȺNEW Nation, Songhees Nation, and T’Sou-ke Nation. All decisions regarding the park will be discussed and evaluated at the Partner table to balance competing priorities, ensure the interests of all those involved are reflected in the final park vision, and uphold the NUP objectives of conservation, connecting people to nature, and advancing reconciliation.
💻Online: Visit National Urban Park | Let's Talk Colwood to learn more and share your thoughts
📍 In Person: Visit our project display boards at Juan de Fuca Rec Centre – March 16–27
💬 Additional in-person engagement opportunities and open houses are being planned for mid- to late April. Stay tuned for details!
Following the completion of the engagement period, the results will be shared with the project Partners to guide and inform the proposed National Urban Park. A summary of the public engagement results will also be publicly shared.
-30-
Media contact
Sandra Russell, Communications Manager
srussell@colwood.ca
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