First building opens at massive 134-acre oceanfront development in Colwood

Over two decades in the making!

The long-anticipated transformation of a former gravel pit in Colwood has reached a major milestone with the opening of the first completed building at The Beachlands—a $1.2 billion master-planned oceanfront community.

After years of planning and preparation, developers Reliance Properties and Seacliff Properties have unveiled a 15,000-square-foot Community Experience Centre.

First building opens at massive oceanfront development in ColwoodDescribed as the largest and most distinctive of its kind in the region, the space offers visitors a one-of-a-kind look at what’s to come for the 134-acre development.

Inside the new building, visitors can check out big models of the community, watch animated videos showing what it will look like, and see unique artwork based on the land.

There are also two show homes set up with furniture so people can walk through and get a feel for what they will feel like. One of the coolest parts is a huge glass wall—141 feet long and 14 feet high—that gives a clear view of the ocean, mountains, and downtown Victoria.

“The Beachlands called for something bold and different,” said Jon Stovell, President and CEO of Reliance Properties. “From the architectural style to the panoramic vistas, this building sets the tone for what’s coming next.”

The centre will initially serve as a presentation and sales hub, with plans to eventually convert it into a permanent commercial space. A 1,500-square-foot cafe area within the building is currently available for lease.

“Every detail at the Experience Centre was curated to help visitors connect with the vision of this community—physically, mentally, and emotionally,” said Georgia Desjardins, Vice President of Development at Seacliff Properties.

The City of Colwood first envisioned development on the long-defunct gravel operation more than 25 years ago. Seacliff acquired the site in 2017 and began shaping its future, partnering with Reliance in 2022. In 2023, the project was rebranded from Royal Beach to The Beachlands.

When fully completed, The Beachlands will feature 2,850 homes spread across several walkable neighbourhoods, alongside hundreds of commercial and retail job spaces. Nearly 50 acres of the site are being preserved as public parks and green space, and over 1.4 kilometres of shoreline will remain open for community use.

The development is expected to roll out over 15 years and generate more than 10,000 full-time jobs through direct and indirect employment.

“The Experience Centre is just the beginning,” said Stovell. “We believe The Beachlands will be Canada’s next great oceanfront community—and a destination in its own right.”

The public opening of the Community Experience Centre is coming soon. Those interested in getting an early look can register for priority preview opportunities at thebeachlands.com.