Colwood is on track to meet the Province's mandated housing target of 940 new units over the next five years based on the City’s forward-thinking Official Community Plan and current residential construction trends and projections.

There are currently 586 residential units under construction in Colwood, according to the CMHC Starts & Completions Survey, and that trend is projected to continue with development underway in areas such as Colwood Corners, Royal Bay, and The Beachlands.

Housing for people at all ages and stages of life

One of the principles that guides Colwood Council's decisions with respect to housing is the Official Community Plan goal that supports "Family friendly neighbourhoods that provide housing choices." Colwood recognizes that increasing housing supply to meet demand and provide housing choices for people at all ages and stages of life is critical.

Infrastructure demands of a growing population

However, Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi is looking beyond the housing targets to the infrastructure that will be needed to support a growing population. 

"It's important to consider that as cities like Colwood welcome new neighbours, there is a corresponding increase in demand for services and infrastructure such as roads, sewer service, parks, recreation, education, and protective services," said Kobayashi.

There are infrastructure improvements underway in Colwood, including intersection upgrades, transit improvements, new sidewalk projects, the Galloping Goose Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge, and a new Waterfront Walkway that will create an exceptional active transportation connection between the Colwood Corners area and new waterfront neighbourhoods at The Beachlands and Royal Bay.

An updated Sewer Master Plan is in place to guide expansion of the sewer system, and updates to the City's Transportation Master Plan will inform ongoing infrastructure improvements, supported by a new Traffic Model that projects the traffic impacts of planned developments on City streets.

With respect to education, land has been secured in Colwood's Royal Bay neighbourhood for School District 62 to construct a new elementary school, however the Province has not yet approved funding for the school. 

"Colwood looks forward to working with the Province on funding opportunities beyond recent contributions such as the Growing Communities Fund to implement required infrastructure upgrades including transportation improvements, sewer expansion, and new schools to support an already rapidly growing population," said Kobayashi.

Learn more

Read more about the Province of BC's Local Government Housing Initiatives.

Media Contact

Sandra Russell, Communications Manager
srussell@colwood.ca

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