The Beachlands: construction begins on $1.2B project on Vancouver Island

COLWOOD, B.C. – Shovels are in the ground for The Beachlands, a $1.2 billion seaside master planned community in Colwood, B.C. on Vancouver Island.

Seacliff Properties and Reliance Properties recently announced the first steps towards the 134-acre community development have begun with construction of a presentation centre.

“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,” Seacliff Properties director of development Georgia Desjardins said in a statement.

The Beachlands property has a history in the community as the location of Producer’s Pit, a gravel pit operation from 1910 to 2007 that was one of Canada’s largest gravel suppliers and the area’s largest employer.

The development will encompass 134-acres of oceanfront land with a shoreline that stretches 1.4 kilometres to Lagoon Beach with 47 acres dedicated to public parks and green space including a covered public square, nature trails and an amphitheatre.

The City of Colwood estimates 10,500 jobs will be created by the project with two multifamily buildings expected for completion by summer 2026 followed by a waterfront plaza with pubs, wine bars, restaurants, coffee shops and medical and fitness facilities, a City of Colwood release said.