Developers break ground on $1.2B Colwood community

Key Takeaways:

• For almost 100 years the site was home to one of Canada’s largest gravel suppliers and one of the region’s largest industrial sites.
• The development is expected to include about 2,800 homes along with a mixture of commercial buildings and retail spaces.
• Two multifamily buildings are expected to be complete by summer 2026, followed by a waterfront plaza with pubs, wine bars, restaurants, coffee shops, doctors offices, fitness facilities and more.

The Whole Story:

Seacliff Properties and Reliance Properties have broken ground on a $1.2-billion seaside community on Vancouver Island. 

The Beachlands construction will start with a presentation centre, including a coffee shop overlooking the ocean. The building will serve as an architectural gateway, welcoming residents and visitors to a new seaside village in Colwood.

“After seven years of planning, public consultation and various approvals, we are thrilled to put our $1.2 billion investment in motion and start construction of The Beachlands, a world-class seaside community that will contribute much-needed housing, jobs and spending in Colwood and the region,” said Georgia Desjardins, director of development at Seacliff Properties.

A milestone 25 years in the making

According to the city, officials envisioned big things for the property back in 1998 as the industrial gravel operation it was known for began to wind down.

The Beachlands property has a significant history in Colwood. The gravel operation on the site was the area’s largest employer for almost a century. For almost 100 years – from 1910 to 2007 – Producer’s Pit was one of Canada’s largest gravel suppliers and one of the region’s largest industrial sites.

Officials say residents who lived in Colwood before the operation closed may remember the sound of the gravel rumbling along the conveyor belts down to the shoreline to be barged out.

Colwood Council and staff have worked with the development team to advance the community’s vision to make The Beachlands a vibrant seaside community as envisioned in the community-led Colwood Official Community plan.

City officials say Seacliff and Reliance properties $1.2B investment in Colwood aims to boost housing, jobs and the local economy, creating an estimated 10,500 jobs throughout and beyond the build out. Two multifamily buildings are expected to be complete by summer 2026, followed by a waterfront plaza with pubs, wine bars, restaurants, coffee shops, doctors offices, fitness facilities and more.

47 acres of parks and public spaces

The city’s recent Household Prosperity Survey shows that 75% of residents currently actively engage in nature trails and parks weekly.

Based on that data, there have been many discussions about ensuring the parks, trails and public spaces maximize opportunities for people to enjoy this incredible seaside location.   

The Beachlands encompasses 134-acres of oceanfront land and a shoreline that stretches 1.4 kilometres and beyond to the Lagoon Beach.

Colwood staff worked to ensure that more than 47 acres of the property will be dedicated to public parks and green space, including a covered public square, nature trails, and an amphitheatre.

“This is a place where residents and visitors can enjoy the health and wellness benefits of incredible connections to nature, new parks and trails, places to enjoy arts, culture, and social connections, and opportunities to work, live, and play, here in Colwood,” said the city. 

Increasing housing and employment opportunities 

The development is expected to include about 2,800 homes along with a mixture of commercial buildings and retail spaces.

The city’s Household Prosperity survey also revealed that 52% of Colwood residents have embraced hybrid or fully remote work. The Beachlands, along with rapidly growing commercial areas in Royal Bay, Allandale District and Colwood Corners, will provide opportunities to work, live and play in Colwood, immersed in nature and recreation, offering work-life balance and quality of life.