Colwood, British Columbia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Colwood
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City
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| City of Colwood | |
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Hatley Castle
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 Colwood
Location of Colwood within the Capital Regional District
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 Colwood
Location in Vancouver Island
Colwood
Location in British Columbia
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Regional district | Capital |
| Incorporated | 1985 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 17.67 km2 (6.82 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 80 m (260 ft) |
| Population
(2021)
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| • Total | 18,961 |
| • Density | 1,073.6/km2 (2,781/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−08:00 (PST) |
| Postal code |
V9C
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| Area code(s) | 250, 778, 236, 672 |
| Highways | 1A, 14 |
| Waterways | Strait of Juan de Fuca |
Colwood is a city located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It is southwest of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Colwood became a city in 1985 and has about 19,000 people. It is part of the larger Victoria area, known as the Western Communities.
This fast-growing city has over 5 km of oceanfront. It is home to many forests, parks, and trails. You can also find several historic places here. These include Fort Rodd Hill, Fisgard Lighthouse, and Hatley Castle.
One of Colwood's most famous spots is Hatley Castle. It is now home to Royal Roads University. This grand castle was built for James Dunsmuir. He was a former leader and Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. During World War II, there was a plan to move the British Royal Family here for safety. But they decided to stay in London. The castle later became a military college. It then became Royal Roads University in 1995. The castle is surrounded by beautiful formal gardens, including a Japanese garden.
The Fisgard Lighthouse in Colwood is a National Historic Site. It was built by the British in 1860. This lighthouse helped guide ships into Esquimalt Harbour. It was once important for the British Royal Navy. Today, it still marks the home base for the Royal Canadian Navy. Many visitors come to see this historic lighthouse each year.
Colwood is also home to historic Fort Rodd Hill. This is another Canadian National Historic Site. The British built this fort in the 1890s. It was designed to protect Victoria and the Esquimalt Naval Base. Visitors can explore the old gun batteries, underground rooms, and barracks. The fort is located in a wide-open waterfront park near the Fisgard Lighthouse. You can enjoy sea and mountain views there. You can also watch birds and explore the tide pools.
The city has many great places to visit and enjoy. These include the Esquimalt Lagoon waterfront. It is a National Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Other popular spots are the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, The Q Centre, and two golf clubs. Colwood is the southernmost city in western Canada.
Contents
Exploring Colwood's Neighbourhoods
Colwood has several unique areas, each with its own character. These neighbourhoods make up the vibrant community of the city.
- Colwood Corners
- Belmont Park
- Royal Roads
- Colwood Lake
- Hatley Park
- Colwood Creek
- Triangle Mountain
- Wishart
- Latoria
- Lagoon Beach
- Royal Beach
- Royal Bay
Colwood's Population and People
In 2021, Colwood had a population of 18,961 people. This was an increase from 16,859 people in 2016. The city covers an area of about 17.66 square kilometers.
The average household income in Colwood in 2015 was $85,688. This was higher than the average for British Columbia.
Different Backgrounds in Colwood
Colwood is home to people from many different backgrounds. The main groups living in Colwood include:
- European (about 15,885 people in 2021)
- Indigenous (about 925 people in 2021)
- East Asian (about 620 people in 2021)
- Southeast Asian (about 445 people in 2021)
- South Asian (about 280 people in 2021)
- African (about 230 people in 2021)
- Latin American (about 185 people in 2021)
- Middle Eastern (about 115 people in 2021)
Beliefs and Religions
According to the 2021 census, many people in Colwood do not follow a specific religion (62.2%). For those who do, the main religious groups include:
- Christianity (34.1%)
- Islam (0.8%)
- Buddhism (0.6%)
- Judaism (0.5%)
- Hinduism (0.4%)
- Sikhism (0.2%)
Learning in Colwood
Colwood is part of the School District 62 Sooke. This district provides education for students in the area.
There are six elementary schools in Colwood:
- John Stubbs (in Belmont Park)
- Colwood Elementary
- Hans Helgesen Elementary
- David Cameron Elementary
- Sangster Elementary
- Wishart Elementary
There is one middle school:
- Dunsmuir Middle School
A new high school, Royal Bay Secondary School, opened in 2015. There is also an alternative school program called Pacific Secondary School.
Colwood is also home to Royal Roads University. This university offers many different programs for higher education.
Colwood's Past: A Brief History
Colwood started as one of four large farms. These farms were set up by the Hudson's Bay Company in the 1850s. They supplied food to the growing population of Fort Victoria.
In 1851, Captain Edward E. Langford managed a 600-acre farm. He named the farmhouse 'Colwood' after his home in England. This farm had the first stone dairy on Vancouver Island. It also had a lime kiln, homestead, and barn.
In 1860, the Fisgard Lighthouse was built. It was 47 feet tall and could be seen for 10 nautical miles. In 1950, a walkway connected it to the shore near Fort Rodd Hill.
In 1863, a sawmill opened on Colwood Creek. It was located on what is now Royal Roads University land. John Gilmore owned this sawmill.
The first Colwood school was built in 1874. It was on Sooke Road. The land was given by Arthur Peatt, a local farmer.
In 1895, Fort Rodd Hill was armed. This fort protected the Royal Navy yards at Esquimalt. The original Colwood Hotel burned down and was rebuilt.
In 1910, the Colwood Women's Institute was formed. This group helped women in the community.
Images for kids
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Hatley Castle
