From L to R: Cameron Archer, Orion Construction; Caroline Lan, Rexall; councillor David Grove, City of Colwood; mayor Doug Kobayashi, City of Colwood; David Basche, Astria Properties; and councillor Ian Ward, City of Colwood. Photo courtesy of Astria Properties)
With the groundbreaking for Arbutus Landing, Colwood, B.C., officially has a new retail and service hub in the works to help it face projected population growth that will see the community grow by 30 per cent by 2038.
Set in the Royal Bay and Beachlands communities of the municipality, the development spans 42,000 square feet, bringing retail, professional services, and everyday amenities to one of the region’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.
Developed by Astria Properties, and to be built by Orion Construction, Arbutus Landing is one of the final commercially zoned opportunities in Royal Bay. The municipality is projected to see an estimated 22,742 residents living within one kilometre of the development by 2028, increasing demand for convenient, local services. Positioned along Metchosin Road, the development will feature a mix of retail, dining, healthcare, and professional service providers, ensuring that residents have access to everyday essentials without leaving their community, says the developer.
Mayor Doug Kobayashi highlighted the importance of expanding Colwood’s commercial and retail capacity with projects like Arbutus Landing, stating, “As our community continues to grow, residents will need access to more shops, services, employment opportunities and gathering places. Arbutus Landing will help meet those needs.”
Among the first confirmed tenants for Arbutus Landing will be Rexall, which will serve as an anchor retailer.
“We are excited to be opening a Rexall Pharmacy in Colwood,” said Nicolas Caprio, president of Rexall. “I believe the community will quickly realize that Rexall is more than just a pharmacy; we are a partner in our customers’ health journey, and we are dedicated to providing accessible and personalized care to every resident of Colwood.”
The development will offer units ranging from 1,500 to 12,835 square feet and accommodate a diverse mix of businesses. The project will feature 125 on-site surface parking stalls and pedestrian-friendly access via nearby crosswalks and bike lanes.
“The launch of Arbutus Landing represents an important milestone for Astria as we continue to expand our presence in the retail sector,” stated David Basche, president of Astria Properties. “This project reflects our commitment to thoughtful, high-quality development and our confidence in the long-term potential of communities like Royal Bay.”
Beyond providing essential amenities, the development is expected to drive local employment opportunities and attract further investment into the area.
“Arbutus Landing is a prime example of smart commercial development that aligns with a community’s needs and economic plans,” added Cameron Archer, director of sales and marketing at Orion Construction, the project’s design-build contractor. “As construction begins, we are focused on delivering a high-quality, efficient, and future-ready commercial gateway that will evolve with the Royal Bay community and support its long-term growth.”
With construction now underway, Arbutus Landing is set to open in Fall 2026.