The Capital Regional District, which provides services to Colwood and surrounding areas, has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for 2026. This national recognition from Mediacorp Canada Inc. highlights the regional government’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and innovation.
The award, announced on April 21, 2026, recognizes the regional body for its long-term efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. The organization, which employs 819 full-time and 523 part-time staff, serves approximately 440,000 residents across 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
A major focus of the recognition is the district’s formal commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The regional government has set clear targets to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, with interim goals of a 45 per cent reduction by 2030 and a 61 per cent reduction by 2038, using 2007 as a baseline. These priorities were formalized after the board declared a climate emergency in February 2019, identifying environmental stewardship as a core focus.
Operational changes contributing to this award include a zero-emissions fleet initiative, which sees staff testing and using electric vehicles and e-bikes. Additionally, the district’s headquarters at 625 Fisgard Street in Victoria serves as a model for sustainable infrastructure. It was the first building in the region to earn the Canada Green Building Council’s LEED Gold certification. The facility features green roofs, a living wall, and a 60,000-litre rainwater collection system used for flushing toilets, which has helped the office achieve a 76 per cent reduction in the use of potable water.
Beyond its own facilities, the regional government manages more than 13,000 hectares of natural space, including 31 regional parks and three trail systems. It also leads regional collaborative efforts, such as an invasive species partnership that brings together over 60 organizations and agencies to coordinate workshops and environmental management strategies across the region.
