Fast facts about Colwood:
- Colwood sits on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen speaking people the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.
- A beatiful, fast-growing, family friendly, seaside community set along more than 7 km of ocean waterfront and a project underway to create a spectacular waterfront walkway connecting the town centre to Beachlands and Royal Bay
- Esquimalt Lagoon in Colwood is a spectacular natural setting and a National Migratory Bird Sanctuary
- Colwood boasts three national historic sites: Hatley Castle, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse
- 17.67 square km total land area
- 60+ parks totalling 89 hectares of parkland and featuring a variety of natural areas, abundant forest, well maintained trails and open areas, beaches, lakes and streams
- Colwood is home to one university, one high school, two middle schools, four elementary schools, including one french immersion school as well as alternative education programs and an innovative nature preschool. See the Education page
- Colwood is home to three golf courses: Royal Colwood Golf Club, Olympic View Golf Course and Juan de Fuca Golf Course, with Bear Mountain Resort just 10km away
- 126 km of paved roads • 49 km of sanitary sewer • 39 km of storm sewer
People in Colwood
- Colwood's Household Prosperity Report [PDF/8.6MB] provides an overview of demographics and quality of life indicators
- Colwood is growing! The population is projected to increase 13% by 2026 and 30% by 2038.
BC Stats population projections: 2021=19,857 | 2022=20,354 | 2023=20,863 | 2024=21,384 | 2025=21, 919 | 2026=22,467 - Colwood's workforce is highly educated: 22% of residents have a University Degree
- Colwood residents have a higher household income than the BC average: Average household income in 2020 was $119,884 and discretionary income in 2019 was $63,904 compared to $57,144 for BC
- The majority of working individuals hold occupations in sales and service; business, finance and administration; education, law, and community and government services.
Businesses in Colwood
- There are over 600 businesses in Colwood, including home based businesses. It is anticipated that up to approximately 204,000 square feet of retail floor space could be added to the City of Colwood by 2038.
- Colwood has a high business satisfaction rate at 92%, with 23% of businesses indicating their level of satisfaction was more positive than 12 months ago.
- Colwood currently has new development land available:
- Colwood Corners - with a range of rental apartments and approximately 125,000 square feet of commercial space, Colwood Corners embraces a rich history while offering urban energy in a tranquil community with amenities right at your doorstep.
- Allandale District – the vision for this area is a Mixed-use Employment Centre for a range of light industrial, commercial, and residential uses.
- Island Highway (Intraurban by PC Urban) – the vision for the Island Highway Corridor is a mixed use employment centre for a range of light industrial, commercial and residential uses.
- Royal Bay (Latoria Boulevard and Metchosin Road) – new commercial commons featuring Quality Foods, Cascadia Liquor and other commercial and office uses projected to open spring 2023. Owned by GableCraft Homes.
- The Beachlands (oceanside at Latoria Boulevard and Metchosin Road) - Newly rezoned 130+ acre waterfront community along 1.4km of shoreline with plans for single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums, along with a variety of shops, services and amenities.
- Olympic View (Latoria Boulevard at Veterans Memorial Parkway) - 35-lot subdivision in a master planned, multi-phased development woven into nature, providing residents with the opportunity to live in a community created in harmony with the landscape.
- Employment opportunities are projected to increase by 83.7% in Colwood by 2038.*
- Colwood's business costs are lower than Victoria, Vancouver, Seattle and Silicon Valley. Operating costs like wages, utilities and commercial are all lower comparatively.
- The mild climate and quality of life are huge incentives for people to stay in Colwood, which supports employee retention.
- BC Transit plans to construct transit priority lanes between Colwood Corners and downtown Victoria are in progress. A feasibility study has been completed for a ferry route between Royal Bay and Victoria Harbour. This makes the City an excellent choice for innovative and forward thinking employers.
Bold plans for Colwood
- Colwood's Gateway Vision Plan offers a cohesive plan for thoughtfully designed town centre in 30 to 50 years.
- Colwood's Official Community Plan outlines how the City is working toward it's vision as a spectacular seaside community set apart by its outstanding natural setting and exceptional quality of life.
Goals of the OCP:- Colwood's waterfront is a stewarded, world-class destination for residents and visitors alike.
- People and nature are exceptionally well connected in Colwood.
- Colwood residents have realistic transportation choices.
- Vibrant public spaces in Colwood – including streets – are for public life.
- Colwood is home to family-friendly neighbourhoods that provide housing choices.
- Colwood is carbon neutral, energy positive, water smart and prepared to adapt to a changing world.
- See other Plans & Reports including Transportation Master Plan, Economic Development Plan, Parks Plan and Financial Plans.
See the Province of BC Community Information Tool and Statistics Canada Census Profile for the City of Colwood to learn more.