Regional Services Overview
The CRD provides regional, sub-regional, and local services to 13 municipalities and 3 electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
Core Regional Services
- Regional Parks and Trails - 13 regional parks covering 13,000+ hectares
- Emergency Communications (911) - Dispatch for police, fire, ambulance
- Solid Waste Management - Hartland Landfill and recycling programs
- Wastewater Treatment - Regional sewage treatment facilities
- Regional Water Supply - Sooke Lake and other regional sources
- Regional Planning - Growth management and coordination
Download CRD Annual Report 2023 (PDF) 2024 Budget Summary (PDF)
Regional Growth Strategy
The CRD's Regional Growth Strategy guides land use planning and development across the region to manage growth sustainably.
- Regional Context and Vision
- Urban Containment Boundary - Protecting rural and agricultural lands
- Regional Transportation Strategy
- Regional Housing Affordability Strategy
- Economic Development Strategy
- Climate Action Strategy
CRD Municipalities & Electoral Areas
The Capital Region includes 13 incorporated municipalities and 3 unincorporated electoral areas:
Core Municipalities
City of Victoria
Population: 91,867 | Area: 19.47 km²
Provincial capital, downtown core, heritage focus
District of Saanich
Population: 117,735 | Area: 103.44 km²
Largest municipality, mix of urban/rural/agricultural
Township of Esquimalt
Population: 18,812 | Area: 7.04 km²
Naval base, waterfront development
City of Langford
Population: 46,584 | Area: 39.55 km²
Fastest growing, family-oriented development
Peninsula & Islands
Town of Sidney
Population: 11,583 | Area: 5.06 km²
Ferry terminal, marine research, seniors-friendly
District of North Saanich
Population: 12,235 | Area: 37.7 km²
Airport, rural residential, agricultural
District of Central Saanich
Population: 16,814 | Area: 41.32 km²
Agricultural focus, Butchart Gardens
West Shore Communities
City of Colwood
Population: 18,961 | Area: 17.76 km²
Royal Roads University, growing residential
Town of View Royal
Population: 10,278 | Area: 14.27 km²
Gorge Waterway, mixed residential
District of Sooke
Population: 15,830 | Area: 57.8 km²
Rural character, regional water source
Additional Communities
District of Oak Bay
Population: 18,105 | Area: 10.52 km²
Upscale residential, heritage character
District of Metchosin
Population: 5,169 | Area: 71.6 km²
Rural, agricultural, environmental protection
District of Highlands
Population: 2,415 | Area: 37.33 km²
Rural residential, water protection
Electoral Areas (Unincorporated)
- Juan de Fuca Electoral Area - Rural communities along Juan de Fuca Strait
- Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area - Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Saturna islands
- Salt Spring Island Electoral Area - Largest Gulf Island community
Regional Real Estate Market Impact
CRD policies and services significantly impact real estate development and property values across the region:
- Development Cost Charges - Regional infrastructure funding
- Regional Parks Proximity Effects - Property value impacts
- Regional Servicing Standards - Water, sewer, waste requirements
- Electoral Area Land Use - Rural zoning and subdivision
- Inter-Municipal Development - Boundary area coordination